Adrenal cancer is a rare and aggressive cancer that can start in your adrenal glands. These two small glands are located above each of your kidneys and are responsible for producing several hormones. These hormones regulate how our body carries out different functions, like metabolism, blood pressure, and stress. But when cancer affects these glands, it can impact how your body produces hormones.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms can vary depending on whether the tumor produces excess hormones or grows so large that it starts pressing against your nearby organs.
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
High blood pressure that’s difficult to control.
Muscle weakness or ongoing fatigue.
Skin changes or bruising.
Changes in menstrual cycle.
Pain or fullness in the abdomen.
What are the causes and risk factors?
The exact reason for adrenal cancer is still unknown, but some factors may increase the risk.
Inherited conditions like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
Inherited gene mutation risk.
Family history of cancer.
Diagnosed with some genetic disorder.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Doctors usually go with a physical examination, like an MRI or CT scan, to examine your adrenal glands. Along with this, they may use blood or urine tests to measure your hormone levels to see if they are stable or not. If doctors suspect potential cancer, then they might conduct some additional tests to see how much the cancer has spread. After this, factors like the size of the tumor, stage of cancer, and your health condition are considered before finalizing the treatment. Doctors usually rely on surgery as their primary approach for removing as much tumor as possible. This is later followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy at times to control the spread and kill the cancer cells. But while making this happen, doctors ensure that the treatment suits your condition well to avoid any complications.
Living with adrenal cancer
Living with adrenal cancer can be very challenging when you have to keep monitoring yourself. Along with this, regular medications and follow-up appointments can be really exhausting. But this journey is not yours alone to bear. You can ask for help whenever needed and lean on your family and friends for support. By focusing on good nutrition and following the doctor's advice, you can manage your treatment and life together.
Hope starts with early action
Although adrenal cancer is rare, it's equally important to stay informed. By reporting symptoms early, you can get the right help you deserve and buy yourself some time to recover. With the right support, you can get through this difficult phase and get back to your life with more confidence.