What is Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer is cancer that starts in the adrenal glands. There are two adrenal glands in the body. One gland is located on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that make hormones which control important bodily functions. Each adrenal gland has two main structures: the medulla and the cortex. The medulla is the inner core of the adrenal gland and produces stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones help control the body's response to physical and emotional stress. The cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. These hormones help regulate energy metabolism, blood pressure, cardiovascular function, and stress. Adrenal cancer is also referred to as adrenocortical carcinoma, which is a rare cancer that starts in the cortex of the adrenal gland.

Functioning and Non-Functioning Tumors

Adrenocortical carcinomas may be functioning or non-functioning. Functioning tumors produce excess hormones that are normally produced by the adrenal cortex, and create elevated levels of these hormones in the body. Non-functioning tumors do not produce hormones, but may still grow very large and press on nearby structures in the abdomen. Other malignant tumors that can be seen in the adrenal gland include tumors spreading to the adrenal gland (most commonly lung, breast, melanoma, and colon cancers), rare tumors of the lymph cells (lymphoma), malignant tumors from soft tissues (sarcoma), and tumors originating from the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma) can occasionally display malignant potential.