Adrenal cancer is a rare cancer that begins in one or both of the small, triangular glands (adrenal glands) located on top of the kidneys. These glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in the body. Adrenal cancer, also called adrenocortical cancer, can occur at any age, but its most likely to affect children younger than 5 and adults in their 40s and 50s.

The type of cancer that develops in the cortex of the adrenal gland is called adrenal cortical carcinoma or just adrenal cancer. Adrenal cancer most often is discovered when it is found accidentally on an imaging test done to look for something else, when it makes hormones that cause changes such as weight gain and fluid retention, early puberty in children, or excess facial or body hair growth in women, or when it starts causing symptoms because it has gotten very large.

Symptoms of adrenal cancer might include weight gain, muscle weakness, trouble sleeping, deepening voice and increased hair growth, usually on the face (in women), pain in the abdomen or lower back, weight loss or loss of appetite. Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are noncancerous (benign), such as adenoma or pheochromocytoma.

Its not clear what causes adrenal cancer. Adrenal cancer forms when something creates changes (mutations) in the DNA of an adrenal gland cell. A cells DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. Surgical removal (adrenalectomy) is the main treatment for adrenal cancer. Periodic follow-up after treatment is necessary to monitor your health and maintain healthy adrenal hormone levels.