If your doctor suspects that you may have this type of cancer, follow-up tests may be necessary. Treatment will vary, depending on the extent of your tumor, as well as your age and the type of cancer.
The first symptom of adrenocortical carcinoma is a deepening voice, which can be indicative of the disease. Other symptoms may include swollen sex organs, vaginal bleeding, and irregular menstrual periods. Occasionally, the disease may lead to other disorders as well. To determine the severity of your condition, you will need to undergo blood tests, imaging studies, and other tests.
Most people with adrenocortical cancer do not display any symptoms, since the tumor is benign. The most common type is called an adenoma and measures less than four centimeters in diameter. An adenoma is a mass of abnormally growing adrenal epithelial cells. It does not produce hormones and is not harmful to the body.
The first sign of adrenocortical cancer is a deepening of voice, or an increase in the size of the breasts. Women with adrenocortical cancer do not usually experience any symptoms. Some women who have adrenocortical cancer may have regular vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or a sensation of fullness.
Adrenocortical cancer can affect men and women of all ages. The symptoms of adrenocortical cancer are different for men and women. Typically, males with the disease will have an abnormal deep voice. Females with adrenocortical cancer will also have swollen breasts. They should seek medical attention immediately if they notice any of these symptoms.
There are other signs of adrenocortical cancer that will give you a reason to seek medical care. Some of these symptoms include a deeper voice, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, or an enlarged sex organ. Other symptoms of adrenocortical tumors may include the growth of fine hair or a lump of fat.
Male patients with adrenocortical cancer may also have other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, a deep voice, and enlarged sex organs. A few other signs include vaginal bleeding, irregular menstrual periods, and swelling of sex organs. For women, it may also be associated with anorexia and gastrointestinal disorder.
If you have any of the signs of adrenocortical cancer, it is recommended to visit a doctor. A physical examination may reveal a tumor. A urine and blood test may detect the tumor. An ultrasound may also be helpful in diagnosing adrenocortical cancer. Symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma are typically not very obvious.
A physical exam, imaging studies, and blood tests may help detect adrenocortical cancer. These tests will also tell whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Having a cancer scan will allow doctors to plan the best course of treatment. The patient should undergo any tests necessary to diagnose the disease. While the symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma are not common, the diagnosis should be based on a complete health history and proper evaluation.
The symptoms of adrenocortical cancer vary depending on its stage. It is a benign tumor with no known cause. It may develop from a preexisting adenoma or from a de novo tumor. It is very rare and occurs in approximately one person per million in the United States. A functioning ACC produces hormones like cortisol, and androgens.
