Print Overview Adrenal glands Enlarge image Close Adrenal glands Adrenal glands Located on top of each kidney, the adrenal glands make hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure and other important functions. Although small, these glands control much of what happens in the body. Adrenal cancer is a rare cancer that begins in one or both of the small, triangular glands (adrenal glands) located on top of your kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body. Adrenal cancer, also called adrenocortical cancer, can occur at any age. But it's most likely to affect children younger than 5 and adults in their 40s and 50s. When adrenal cancer is found early, there is a chance for cure. But if the cancer has spread to areas beyond the adrenal glands, cure becomes less likely. Treatment can be used to delay progression or recurrence. Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are noncancerous (benign). Benign adrenal tumors, such as adenoma or pheochromocytoma, also can develop in the adrenal glands.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSigns and symptoms of adrenal cancer include: Weight gain Muscle weakness Pink or purple stretch marks on the skin Hormone changes in women that might cause excess facial hair, hair loss on the head and irregular periods Hormone changes in men that might cause enlarged breast tissue and shrinking testicles Nausea Vomiting Abdominal bloating Back pain Fever Loss of appetite Loss of weight without trying CausesIt's not clear what causes adrenal cancer. Adrenal cancer forms when something creates changes (mutations) in the DNA of an adrenal gland cell. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The mutations can tell the cell to multiply uncontrollably and to continue living when healthy cells would die. When this happens, the abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumor. The tumor cells can break away and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Risk factorsAdrenal cancer happens more often in people with inherited syndromes that increase the risk of certain cancers. These inherited syndromes include: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome Carney complex Li-Fraumeni syndrome Lynch syndrome Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1) By Mayo Clinic Staff Adrenal cancer care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment April 26, 2023 Print Living with adrenal cancer? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Discussions Welcome to the NETs Group! Come say hi. 389 Replies Sat, Nov 02, 2024 chevron-right Anyone have side effects after Lanreotide injection? 35 Replies Sat, Nov 02, 2024 chevron-right Anyone have Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma? 15 Replies Fri, Nov 01, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Neuroendocrine and adrenal tumors. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp. Accessed Dec. 6, 2018. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Adrenocortical carcinoma. In: Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 6, 2018. Adrenocortical carcinoma treatment (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/adrenocortical/patient/adrenocortical-treatment-pdq. Accessed Dec. 6, 2018. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 17, 2018. Related Associated Procedures Ablation therapy Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Adrenal cancerSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20155333 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Adrenal cancer