Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Tumors
Adrenal gland tumors often develop asymptomatically for a long time. Typically, symptoms appear due to the intense growth of the cancer (putting pressure on surrounding organs and tissues) or excessive secretion of adrenal hormones. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower back
- Sudden weight gain
- Urinary issues
- General weakness
- Persistent fever
- Masculinization symptoms in women (excessive hair growth, abnormal fat distribution, reduced libido, etc.)
- Feminization symptoms in men (growth of breast tissue, erectile dysfunction, etc.)
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Apathy, depression
Adrenal gland disease in children can lead to disorders in sexual maturation.
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Among the various factors that increase the likelihood of adrenal cancer, the most significant are hereditary genetic syndromes (Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and multiple endocrine neoplasia). Age also matters: there are two age-related peaks in the risk of developing the disease — in children under 5 years and in adults aged 40–50 years. Patients with a family history of the disease are advised to undergo regular monitoring by an endocrinologist, since early detection allows adrenal cancer treatment to be started in a timely manner and improves the prognosis.
There is no specific prevention for adrenal cancer. However, early diagnosis dramatically changes the prognosis. Adrenal tumors are often discovered incidentally during an ultrasound or CT scan performed for another reason. This is precisely why regular preventive examinations remain the main tool for early diagnosis of the disease. If a growth of any size is detected, a consultation with an oncological surgeon at the Helios Medical Center is required to assess the indications for adrenal cancer treatment.
Adrenal cancer is a rare disease. According to international statistics, its incidence is about 1–2 cases per million people per year. Benign adrenal adenomas are much more common — found in approximately 3–5% of adults during CT scans of the abdominal cavity. This is why, when an adrenal mass is discovered, it is important to carry out a thorough differential diagnosis to distinguish a benign adenoma from a malignant tumor. If adrenal cancer is diagnosed, treatment is selected taking into account the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the tumor. At the Helios Medical Center, operations to remove adrenal tumors are performed using minimally invasive techniques. You can book a consultation by calling 067 000 01 50.
