The adrenal glands are small triangular glands that are located on top of the liver. The adrenal glands produce hormones that affect every organ and system in the body. When tumors or cancer invades these small glands, it can create hormonal imbalance and quickly spread to other areas of the body. Dr. Dmitri Alden is a top oncological surgeon who offers advanced adrenal gland cancer treatment at his practice in New York City.

Since the adrenal glands are vital to the production of many hormones, cancer in these glands can have widespread symptoms. The hormones created in the adrenal glands can impact metabolism, gender traits and many other functions. Some possible symptoms of adrenal gland cancer include:

• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss
• Females may experience facial hair, menstrual irregularity and hair loss
• Males may experience increased breast tissue and/or shrinking testicles
• Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Muscle weakness
• Fever
• Abdominal or back pain

Changes to hormone balance can be the first signs of adrenal cancer. Diagnosis may include performing blood tests to check hormone levels of cortisol, androgens and aldosterone – unusual levels can be a sign of adrenal gland dysfunction. Other diagnostic tools include CT, MRI or PET scans to identify growths and check for spread of the cancer to other organs.

Adrenal Pheochromocytoma

Adrenal pheochromocytoma is type of adrenal cancer involving a tumor that starts in the adrenal gland cells. This disease is a very rare form of cancer, requiring the expertise of a highly skilled oncologist. The cause of sporadic pheochromocytoma is unknown, but some genetic conditions can pose a higher risk for these adrenal tumors. Patients with adrenal pheochromocytoma may have the following symptoms:

• High blood pressure which causes heart palpitations, sweating and headaches
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• Pale skin
• Tremors
• Breathing difficulties

Pheochromocytoma, like most adrenal cancers, is best treated with surgery. In most cases, an adrenalectomy, or complete removal of the adrenal gland, is required, which may be followed by other cancer treatments.

If you have signs or symptoms of adrenal gland cancer, contact Dr. Dmitri Alden at his office in UES Manhattan to schedule a consultation for adrenal gland cancer treatment.