Our adrenal cancer team diagnose and treat cancers of the adrenal gland, such as Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) and malignant phaeochromocytomas.
We provide a range of services including:
- specialist nurse-led adrenal clinics
- specialist consultant-led adrenal clinics
- surgical treatment for adrenal cancers
- medical treatment for adrenal cancers
- participation in innovative research
- local, national and international teaching
Our specialist team is made up of:
- endocrinologists
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
- adrenal specialist surgeons
- thoracic surgeons
- oncologists
- radiologists
- interventional radiologists
- histopathologists
- clinical geneticists
Our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is made up of endocrinologists, CNSs, adrenal surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and histopathologists.
Signs and symptoms of adrenal cancer
Most patients are referred to our adrenal tumour service for abnormalities within the adrenal gland. These are usually discovered during imaging that is carried out for other reasons, and the majority of these abnormalities are benign. In a small percentage they can produce excess adrenal hormones or show aggressive cancers.
It is important you are referred to our adrenal tumour service in case you have signs and symptoms of excess adrenal hormones. Common symptoms include:
- hypercortisolism (too much cortisol): Unexplained weight gain around your middle, a round face (moon face), fat build-up on the back of your neck (buffalo hump), red or purple stretchmarks, muscle weakness, easy bruising, thin and fragile skin, tiredness, and problems with sleep or mood problems
- excess adrenal androgens (male hormones): Acne and increased growth of dark, coarse hair in women, especially in areas usually more common in men, such as the face, chest, and back (called hirsutism)
- hyperaldosteronism (too much aldosterone): High blood pressure that doesn’t improve with medications, sometimes accompanied by low potassium levels.
- other related health conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- abnormal levels of blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
- osteoporosis (weak bones)
If you experience a sudden onset of these symptoms, please contact your GP or hospital team.
Contact details
The team are contactable between 09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday (not including bank holidays).
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB)
Adrenal specialist nurse:
Endocrine secretaries:
Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals
Acute Oncology Services (AOS)
For any patients on anti-cancer treatment who suffer from:
- a temperature of 37.5C or above
- flu-like symptoms
- shivers/chills or feel poorly
Please call the AOS 24-hour emergency helpline straight away on:
Location information
The team are mainly based at QEHB. However, we also have clinics held at two of our other sites.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Outpatient Area 1
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Cancer Centre
- Heartlands Hospital, endocrinology department
- Good Hope Hospital, endocrinology department
Last reviewed: 29 September 2025