What are the complications of adrenocortical carcinoma?

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What are the complications of adrenocortical carcinoma?

Without treatment, adrenal tumors can continue to grow. As they get bigger, tumors may press against other organs. This pressure can affect how well those organs work or cause other symptoms.

Functioning adrenocortical carcinomas will continue to overproduce hormones that control various body functions. Different hormones produce different symptoms.

Too much cortisol can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, with symptoms including:

  • High blood pressure.
  • High blood sugar.
  • Weight gain in the face, neck and trunk.
  • A lump of fat between the shoulder blades.
  • Hair growth on your face and body.

Too much aldosterone can cause Conn’s syndrome, with symptoms including:

  • Excessive thirst.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Cramps or muscle weakness.
  • Frequent need to urinate.

Too much testosterone in women can cause:

  • Hair growth on your face and body.
  • Balding.
  • Deepening voice.
  • Lack of menstrual periods.

Too much estrogen in women can cause:

  • Irregular periods.
  • Bleeding after menopause.
  • Weight gain.

Too much estrogen in men can cause:

  • Low sex drive.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Breast growth.

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