Medical Cannabis for Adrenal Cortical Cancer
Cancer is an umbrella term for many types of disorders that normally is very worrisome. The good news is that over the years, it changed from being almost an outright death sentence to something not so evil anymore. The survival rate is much higher and if it is diagnosed early enough, a person could have a complete turnaround. It is not just the medical world that brought better options, but also the way people look at holistic approaches that turned the page. But even so, there are still some rare disorders that could be troublesome. Fortunately, a better understanding of the cannabis plant has shed even more light on how cancer can be conquered. In this article, we will look at Adrenal Cortical Cancer and how cannabis can help.
What is Adrenal Cortical Cancer?
Adrenal Cortical Cancer or ACC is another one of those rare diseases. It happens when a cancerous growth starts forming in the adrenal cortex, or outer layer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are found on top of the kidneys. It has a significant role to play in the endocrine system where hormones are produced and regulated. The adrenal cortex is responsible for blood pressure and metabolic regulation. It is also producing cortisol and the male hormones named androgens, like testosterone. When you have adrenal cortical cancer, and excessive production of hormones could be triggered.
ACC is not easily recognized, but there are some subtle signs. You might experience a sense of fullness in your stomach, or pain, and a sense that something is not right with your hormones. Unexpected weight gain could also be a sign. An aggressive tumor forms on one or even both of your adrenal glands on top of the kidney. This cancer is aggressive, but fortunately, because of its rareness, only a few people contract it yearly.
By the time the cancer is discovered, the tumor is quite large. When this happens, surgical removal is mostly the outcome. For some, that is enough, but for others, cancer could return.
The types of Adrenal Cortical Cancer
When it comes to ACC, there are two types of cancers. They are:
Functioning tumors – they increase the production of hormones. Large amounts of cortisol, testosterone, or aldosterone are found on the body. Aldosterone regulates blood pressure.
Non-functioning tumors – they do not increase adrenal glands’ hormonal production. They could present symptoms because of their increased size as they put pressure on the organs.
The good news is that most tumors are not cancerous. Only about 10% is malignant.
What is the Cause and Who is at Risk?
Researchers could still not pinpoint the cause of this rare disease, but it could also be seen as secondary cancer. Secondary cancer is when another type of cancer spreads to the adrenal glands
You might be higher at risk if you are female and between the age of 40 and 50. Any hereditary disease affecting the adrenal glands could also be a factor. If you are suffering from other types of aggressive cancer, you could also be at risk. It is a rare condition. It does not mean if you fall in any of these risk factors that you would get ACC. It is an exceedingly rare cancer.
The Symptoms of Adrenal Cortical Cancer
The symptoms start coming forward when the tumors turn malignant. The symptoms are:
Fluid retention leading to bloating
Weight gain
Unusual skin changes
Unusual excess hair growth
Hormonal changes include:
Testosterone and other androgens – an increase in bodily and facial hair, especially in women. Deepening of the female voice.
Estrogen – early signs of puberty in children and enlarged breast tissue in males
Aldosterone – high blood pressure and weight gain
Cortisol – high blood sugar and pressure, as well as muscle weakness in the legs. Bruising in the body and excessive weight gain in the chest and abdomen.
The emotional impact when you are diagnosed with ACC could also bring on a flood of emotions that could lead to the following:
Fear
Disbelief or shock
Anxiety and depression
Guilt
Sadness, frustration, and anger
A Feeling of isolation and helplessness
How Cannabis Help with the treatment of the side-effects of Adrenal Cortical Cancer
The therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana come for cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Both THC and CBD have anti-cancer properties. They do not harm healthy cells, but only attack cancerous cells. CBD and THC are not the only cannabinoids, many more like CBC, CBG, THCa, and CBDa, all show healing properties. Apart from the treatment of cancer, it also lowers inflammation, relieves pain, and reduce anxiety. Common side-effects treatable by cannabis are:
Pain
Fatigue
Anxiety and stress
Depression
Appetite and weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Afterthoughts
For cancer like Adrenal Cortical Cancer, medical cannabis is an excellent aid. Apart from dealing with the emotional side-effects, it also addresses the actual cancerous effects.
CANNABIS FOR CANCER, READ MORE..
CANNABIS FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS, READ WHY HERE!
OR..
