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Adrenal Cancer: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of adrenal cancer?

Some symptoms of adrenal cancer are caused by the hormones the tumor is making. Others are caused when the tumor is big and is pressing on nearby organs.

People with adrenal cancer may have any or all of these symptoms:

  • Belly or back pain

  • Belly stretch marks

  • A lump in the belly that can be felt

  • Muscle cramps or weakness

  • Easy bruising

  • Rapid heartbeat or heart pounding

  • Headache

  • Full feeling in the belly or feeling full after eating only a small amount

  • Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction or loss of sex drive

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Enlarged breasts or sex organs

  • Extra facial and body hair, often in women

  • Voice that gets deeper

  • Fatty areas on the shoulders and the back of the neck

  • Round, red face

  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss 

  • Weakness and low potassium levels

  • Feeling thirsty

  • Anxiety or new panic attacks

  • Need to pee much more often than normal

  • High blood pressure

  • High blood sugar levels

  • Bone weakening (osteoporosis)

When to see your healthcare provider

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. So it's important to see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only a healthcare provider can tell if you have cancer.

Medical Reviewers:

  • Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
  • Rita Sather RN
  • Todd Gersten MD