What is a Feminising Adrenal Tumour?
Feminising adrenal tumours are tumours that result from the uncontrolled division of adrenal cells and are responsible for the overproduction of the hormone estrogen with or without the overproduction of adrenal hormones. Feminising adrenal tumours are predominant in males.
What are Adrenal Glands?
The adrenal glands are small glands located above each kidney. The function of the adrenal glands is to produce hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, the body’s immune system, and respond to stress. Thus, in patients with adrenal carcinoma, these adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of hormones that disrupt normal metabolism, blood pressure, and normal stress response.
What is Estrogen Hormone?
Estrogen is primarily a female sex hormone that helps to develop and maintain a woman’s reproductive system. Further, it helps to develop secondary sexual characteristics in women such as the development of breasts and armpit and pubic hair.
Disease Causes
There is no well-known cause, however, a link has been found between the presence of various syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasias, Carney syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and the development of a feminising adrenal tumour.
Signs and Symptoms
Feminising adrenal tumours are rare tumours and usually develop in males. The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of Feminising Adrenal Tumours in Males
- Enlargement of the breast in males (female-like breasts in males)
- Lower production of sexual hormones in males
Symptoms of Feminising Adrenal Tumours in Females
- Lower production of sexual hormones in females
- Higher blood pressure
- Enlargement of the uterus
- Bleeding from vagina in between the 2 menstrual periods
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Blood tests such as Complete blood count (CBC)
- Urine complete examination (Urine test)
- Blood tests to estimate adrenal hormones
- Diagnostic imaging techniques such as USG, CT-scan, MRI, and PET scan can be used to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Tumour biopsy
Treatment
Surgical excision (surgical removal of the adrenal gland tumour along with the removal of some surrounding tissues) and Chemotherapy are the main treatment option.
What support can we give for Feminising Adrenal Tumour?
Feminising Adrenal Tumour (FAT) is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from a rare cancer such as Feminising Adrenal Tumour (FAT), we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways: Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences. Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form. Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.