Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal cancer is a rare disease that originates in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and consist of two parts that function separately: the outer layer (cortex) and the inner area (medulla).
The cortex is the producer of three major hormones: cortisol (a glucocorticoid), aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; an androgen). The medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Adrenal tumors can increase the production of hormones. These are called functioning tumors. Non-functioning tumors are tumors that do not increase the production of hormones. Symptoms and treatments for this type of cancer depend of whether or not they are functioning.
99% of adrenal tumors are benign. They are very small, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. They are usually found accidentally.
Adrenocortical carcinoma is the most common type of adrenal cancer and develops in the adrenal cortex. These may produce symptoms, and are caused by the increased production of hormones. Although most nonfunctioning tumors create no symptoms, sometimes they can cause pain by putting pressure on other organs. These tumors can usually be felt by the fingers.
1 out of 1 million people develop this rare disease each year. The percentage of diagnosis is slightly higher in men age 40-50 and in children under 5.
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