Anna Chickadee Cardwell’s Death Cause

What Is Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer is a rare cancer that begins in one or both of the small, triangular glands (adrenal glands) located on top of your kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body.

Adrenal cancer is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumor (NET). It happens when cells in your adrenal glands mutate (change) and grow out of control. Adrenal cancer can be difficult to cure, but it’s possible with early detection and treatment. Treatments could include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

There’s a chance for a cure when the tumor is only in your adrenal gland and hasn’t spread to other areas of your body. Surgical removal (adrenalectomy) is the main curative treatment for adrenal cancer.

If the cancer has spread beyond your adrenal gland, a cure becomes less likely and it can lead to death.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of adrenal cancer include:

• Weight gain
• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Pink or purple stretch marks on the skin
• Hormone changes in women that might cause excess facial hair, hair loss on the head, and irregular periods
• Hormone changes in men that might cause enlarged breast tissue and shrinking testicles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Back pain
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight without trying
• Muscle cramps.