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Adrenocortical carcinoma - Symptom

Alternative Names

Tumor - adrenal

Symptoms:

Symptoms that suggest increased cortisol or other adrenal gland hormone production:

Fatty, rounded hump high on the back just below the neck (buffalo hump)
Flushed rounded face with pudgy cheeks (moon face)
Obesity
Stunted growth in height (short stature)
Virilization - the appearance of male characteristics, including increased body hair (especially on the face), pubic hair, acne, deepening of voice, and enlarged clitoris (girls)

Symptoms that suggest increased aldosterone production are the same as symptoms of low potassium and include:

Increased thirst
Muscle cramps
Urination
Weakness

Signs and tests:

A physical exam may reveal high blood pressure and changes in body shape, such as breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia) or male characteristics in women (virilization). Blood tests will be done to check hormone levels:

ACTH level will be low.
Aldosterone level will be high.
Cortisol level will be high.
Potassium level will be low.

Imaging tests may include:

Endocrine glands

Adrenal metastases, CT scan

Adrenal Tumor - CT

Reviewed last on: 8/14/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lal G, Oâ€™Dorisio T, McDougall R, Weigel RJ. Cancer of the endocrine system. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 75.

National Cancer Institute. Adrenocortical carcinoma treatment PDQ. Updated May 16, 2008.

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