Based on PubMed | Can adrenal cancer cause a persistent cough, and when should this symptom prompt medical evaluation?

A persistent cough is not a typical symptom of adrenal cancer itself, but it can occur if adrenal cancer has spread to the lungs or airways (metastasis). ^[1] When adrenal cancer reaches the lungs, people may develop respiratory symptoms such as a cough that doesn’t go away, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood, similar to other cancers that metastasize to the lungs. ^[2] Rarely, adrenal cortical carcinoma can spread inside the bronchial tubes (endobronchial metastasis), which can directly provoke coughing and other airway symptoms. ^[3]

How adrenal cancer causes cough

• Adrenal cortical carcinoma often presents with hormone-related features (for example, signs of excess cortisol or androgens) or abdominal discomfort from a growing mass, not with cough. ^{[4] [5]}
• Cough may arise if cancer cells spread from the adrenal gland to the lungs or pleura; lung metastases commonly cause persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or hemoptysis. ^[2]
• Very rare cases report tumor spread into the bronchial passages (endobronchial metastasis), which can trigger chronic cough due to direct airway irritation or obstruction. ^[3]

In short, a persistent cough is more likely due to lung involvement rather than the adrenal tumor itself. ^[2]

Typical symptoms of adrenal cancer

• Many adrenal tumors are benign and cause no symptoms; malignant adrenal cancers are uncommon. ^[1]
• Functional adrenal cancers can produce excess hormones causing features like weight gain, fluid retention, skin changes, irregular periods in women, or breast tissue enlargement in men. ^{[6] [4]}
• As tumors enlarge locally, they may cause abdominal fullness, bloating, pain, or indigestion. ^[5]

If cough is present in someone with adrenal cancer, clinicians usually consider possible lung spread or another lung condition. ^[2]

When a persistent cough needs medical evaluation

• A cough that lasts more than a few weeks should generally be assessed, especially if accompanied by fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, ankle swelling, fainting, or unintended weight loss. ^[7]
• If you have a history of cancer and develop a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, you should contact a healthcare professional promptly. ^[2]

Persistent cough with red‑flag features (blood in sputum, weight loss, breathing difficulty) warrants timely medical evaluation. ^{[2] [7]}

Practical steps if you have persistent cough

• Track duration and associated symptoms (fever, wheeze, chest pain, breathlessness, blood in cough, weight changes). ^[7]
• Seek medical care if the cough persists beyond a few weeks or has any red flags; you may need a chest X‑ray or CT and, if you have known adrenal cancer, staging to check for lung involvement. ^{[2] [7]}
• Discuss any hormone‑related symptoms (rapid weight gain, new hair changes, high blood pressure) that could suggest functional adrenal cancer, as these influence management. ^{[4] [6]}

Quick comparison: adrenal cancer vs lung metastases symptoms

• Adrenal cancer (primary)

  • More often hormone-related signs (e.g., Cushing’s features) or abdominal discomfort. ^{[4] [5]}
  • Cough is uncommon unless there is lung spread. ^[1]

• Lung metastases (from any cancer, including adrenal)

  • Persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain; may include coughing up blood. ^[2]
  • Can cause pleural effusion (fluid around lungs) leading to breathing pain. ^[2]

Key takeaway: a chronic cough is a concern in the context of cancer because it can signal lung metastasis and should be evaluated, especially if paired with other warning signs. ^{[2] [7]}

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