Other signs of adrenocortical cancer include swollen sex organs, irregular menstrual periods, and vaginal bleeding. However, these symptoms may not be related to adrenocortical carcinoma. In order to diagnose this disease, a physician will perform blood tests and imaging studies.
In the majority of cases, adrenocortical cancer is benign and nonfunctioning. These tumors are less than four centimeters in diameter and may be painless or cause other health problems. While adenomas are not considered cancerous, they can spread to surrounding tissues, blood vessels, lymph nodes, or other organs. Treatments for adrenocortical cancer depend on the type of cancer and the location of the tumor.
A CT scan can reveal whether the cancer cells have spread beyond the adrenal gland or to other areas of the body. It is done by using a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to make organs appear more clearly. This test is also called computerized tomography. A doctor may recommend a CT scan for children with symptoms.
Several other symptoms may indicate adrenocortical carcinoma. These include abdominal pain, back pain, or a feeling of fullness. Although a person with adrenocortical cancer may not have any symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice and undergo a diagnosis as soon as possible. The prognosis is generally very good.
During the first stages of the disease, patients may experience no symptoms. The symptoms of the disease are related to excessive hormone secretion. In addition to pain and a loss of appetite, a person may also experience other abnormalities, including nausea and diarrhea. In most cases, the primary tumor is benign. A tumor is not present in every stage of the disease. A biopsy is often necessary.
There are several symptoms of adrenocortical cancer. In some cases, the tumors are benign and nonfunctioning. In the latter case, they are called adenomas. Adenomas are masses of overly growing epithelial cells. They do not grow to any significant size and are not cancerous. Nevertheless, these symptoms should not be ignored.
The symptoms of adrenocortical cancer are usually not immediately obvious. The disease may mimic other conditions, such as abdominal pain or back pain. But the first signs of adrenocortical carcinoma are not recognizable as a cancer. It is difficult to diagnose the disease until the first signs are present. In rare cases, asymptomatic adrenocortical carcinoma will develop in a few weeks to a few years.
Often, adrenocortical tumors are benign. The smallest ones are under four centimeters in diameter. These adenomas are masses of overgrown epithelial cells of the adrenocortical gland. They are not cancerous, but they can be difficult to detect. In addition, adrenocortical cancers often occur in the presence of other conditions, such as the adrenal glands, and in the neck.
Symptoms of adrenocortical cancer vary from person to person. In some cases, it is hard to diagnose adrenocortical cancer without symptoms. If you experience any of these signs, consult with your doctor. Afterwards, your doctor will examine you and determine the extent of the tumor. If the tumor has spread to the kidney, it may spread to the brain or bones.
