These cancers often have no previous history, so symptoms can vary widely among patients. Men who develop the disease don’t usually have any symptoms, but women may experience vaginal bleeding, a deepening of voice, and swelling of their sex organs.
In addition to the symptoms described below, the patient will probably experience other symptoms of the condition. Treatment will usually involve hormonal therapy and periodic follow-up blood tests. However, this treatment is not permanent and can be life-threatening. Some patients may need long-term hormone medicines to prevent its recurrence. The condition can also be treated with surgery or other methods, such as adenoscopy.
The most common type of adrenocortical tumor is benign and nonfunctioning. Most of these tumors are smaller than four cm. These are called adenomas. These tumors consist of a mass of abnormally growing adrenal epithelial cells. They are not cancerous and do not spread. Symptoms of adrenocortical cancers may be difficult to detect.
The symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma can vary depending on the extent of the disease. The most common symptom at the time of presentation is unspecific abdominal pain. A biopsy may reveal the presence of the cancer. Imaging studies for other reasons may be done to rule out other causes of abdominal pain. In a small number of cases, adrenocortical carcinoma is found during a routine checkup.
In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, the most common symptom is unspecific abdominal pain. Despite the lack of a specific symptom, adrenocortical cancers are typically rare in children. Many patients with adrenocortical cancer have symptoms related to the tumors and are able to undergo surgery. These symptoms are usually accompanied by other medical conditions such as a high-risk pregnancy.
A functional adrenocortical tumor must be surgically removed. If it is a functional tumor, it should be removed by surgery. If the tumor is more than 0.8 cm, it should be surgically removed. Asymptomatic adrenocortical cancers do not require surgery. In some cases, asymptomatic patients have a lump in the abdomen.
Adrenocortical cancers usually develop in the adrenal glands. In a normal person, they are nonfunctional, but may also be asymptomatic. In children, the symptoms are mild or absent. In men, the adrenocortical cancer is usually confined to the adrenocortical region. If the tumor is large, it may spread to other parts of the body.
The most important symptom of adrenocortical cancer is a round or double chin. In a woman, the symptoms include a double chin and a rounded face. In males, the tumors may cause masculine or feminine traits. They may spread to the kidneys and lungs and to the bones. In children, the tumors can also affect the brain.
In the early stages, an adrenocortical tumor may be nonfunctioning. It will not produce any symptoms at this stage. The symptoms of adrenocortical cancer may be vague, but a lump in the abdomen or neck can be an indicator of cancer. In both cases, early detection is crucial to ensure proper treatment and the survival of children.
