Publisher's Synopsis
Adrenal cancer is part of a group of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, or NETs. These can form in different hormone-producing glands all over the patient's body.Adrenal cancer is one of those conditions that is hard to spot early. It starts in small glands called adrenal glands. Human body system have two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney, and one could get a tumor in one or both of them.One of the first signs that shows that something is not right might be a pain in the belly or a sense of fullness there. Or the patient might get symptoms that suggest something is out of whack with his/her hormones, like a surprising weight gain, weakness, or high blood pressure.Sometimes, by the time the patient notice symptoms, the tumor may be large. But a lot of treatments, from drugs to surgery, can push back against this cancer.For some folks, an operation to remove the tumor cures the disease. If the cancer does return, the doctor has other methods the patient can try to keep it in check.Patients shoul talk to their doctor about their treatment options. And they should not hesitate to get some help from the people they love. They are key members of their team. Friends and family can play a huge role in giving them support while they manage their health.If patients have adrenal cancer, sometimes the tumor begins in the outer layer of their adrenal glands, which the doctor may refer to as the cortex. The disease can also start with a tumor that grows in the middle part, called the medulla. It can happen in one or both of the adrenal glands.The adrenal glands make hormones, chemicals that help control how the body works. They affect things like hair growth, blood pressure, sex drive, and even how people handle stress. When patients have adrenal cancer, they may notice changes in these areas.Many adrenal tumors actually make hormones of their own. This is called a "functioning tumor." Patients may notice symptoms like sudden weight gain or a flushed face.
