Adrenal metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma: what are the adrenal manifestations?
Aug 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. You Zhangxuan
Introduction
Adrenal metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma may present with symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, hypertension, metabolic disturbances, endocrine dysfunction, and systemic symptoms. Adrenal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, as tumor growth in the adrenal region may stimulate surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to pain. In addition, tumor growth may also lead to adrenal enlargement.
Adrenal metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma can present with various symptoms including abdominal discomfort, hypertension, metabolic disturbances, endocrine dysfunction, and systemic manifestations. The details are as follows:
1. Abdominal discomfort: Adrenal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma may cause abdominal pain and discomfort. This occurs because tumor growth in the adrenal region can stimulate surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to pain. Additionally, tumor expansion may enlarge the adrenal gland, increasing pressure on intra-abdominal organs and contributing to abdominal discomfort.
2. Hypertension: The adrenal gland is a vital endocrine organ that secretes hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which regulate blood pressure. When lung adenocarcinoma metastasizes to the adrenal gland, tumor cells may disrupt the gland's normal structure and function, causing excessive secretion of epinephrine and resulting in hypertension.
3. Metabolic disturbances: Adrenal metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma can lead to metabolic disorders. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are key hormones regulating energy metabolism, involved in processes such as lipolysis, glycogenolysis, and protein breakdown. Tumor invasion may interfere with the normal secretion and metabolism of these hormones, leading to metabolic imbalances manifesting as weight loss, poor appetite, and fatigue.
4. Endocrine dysfunction: Adrenal metastasis may impair adrenal endocrine function. As a major endocrine organ, the adrenal gland produces various hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones. Metastatic tumor cells can disrupt normal hormone production, causing hormonal imbalances and resulting in symptoms such as fluid retention, sexual dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities.
5. Systemic symptoms: Adrenal metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss. These may result from tumor cell proliferation and the release of metabolic byproducts, triggering systemic inflammatory responses and metabolic abnormalities.
If any of these symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.
