Why does adrenal cancer cause persistent abdominal pain?

The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys at the back of the upper abdomen. As an adrenal tumour grows, pressure can be felt in the side, back, or upper abdomen. Pain may be dull, aching, or persistent rather than sharply localised. Hormone-producing tumours can also cause symptoms such as sweating, pounding heartbeat, headaches, or changes in blood pressure, depending on the hormone involved. Pain alone cannot identify its cause, and many abdominal conditions are not cancer.

Arrange a clinical assessment for ongoing or unexplained pain. A clinician may examine your abdomen, review medicines and other symptoms, check blood or urine tests, and arrange imaging when appropriate. Keep a short record of where the pain occurs, what brings it on, whether it spreads to the back, and any changes in appetite, bowel habits, weight, or urination. Do not start supplements marketed for hormone balance without medical advice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, a rigid or swollen abdomen, chest pain, severe headache, or marked weakness. These signs can have several causes and need prompt assessment. Contact your care team soon if pain is persistent, interrupts sleep, or occurs with unexplained weight change, blood in urine or stool, fever, or new hormone-related symptoms.

Ask what features of the pain need investigation, whether hormone testing is relevant, which scan is being considered, and how prescribed pain relief should be used. Ask which symptoms should prompt an urgent call and when your assessment will be reviewed.