Adrenal Tumors and Nodules

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What you need to know about Adrenal Tumors and Nodules

Adrenal tumors and nodules are abnormal growths that develop in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
  • Adenoma: Benign tumors that arise from the adrenal gland’s outer layer (cortex). They are the most common type of adrenal tumor.
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC): Malignant tumors originating from the adrenal cortex.
  • Pheochromocytoma: Tumors that arise from the adrenal medulla and produce excess catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline).
  • Adrenal Nodules: These are small growths found in the adrenal glands, which can be either benign or malignant.
  • Adenomas: The exact cause is often unknown. Some may be related to genetic mutations.
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC): Specific causes are often unclear, but genetic factors may play a role.
  • Pheochromocytoma: Often caused by genetic mutations, but the exact cause isn’t always known.

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of adrenal tumor:

  • Adenomas: Often asymptomatic, but can cause hormone overproduction leading to symptoms like high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes.
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, irregular menstruation (in women), and hormonal imbalances.
  • Pheochromocytoma: Symptoms include severe headaches, palpitations, sweating, high blood pressure, and anxiety attacks.
  • Physical Examination: Including blood pressure measurement and examination for signs of hormone excess.
  • Blood and Urine Tests: Measure hormone levels and their metabolites.
  • Imaging: CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to visualize the adrenal glands and any tumors.
  • Biopsy: Sometimes a biopsy is needed to determine if a tumor is benign or malignant, although it’s not always recommended due to risks of spreading cancer.
  • Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment, especially for benign tumors and some cases of adrenal cancer.
  • Medication: Medications may be used to control hormone production or manage symptoms, especially for functional tumors.
  • Chemotherapy or Radiation: For malignant tumors such as adrenocortical carcinoma, these treatments may be recommended.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure where heat is used to destroy the tumor.
  • Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Minimally invasive surgery for smaller tumors.
  • Adenomas: Prognosis is generally excellent after surgical removal.
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Prognosis is poor, especially if the cancer has spread.
  • Pheochromocytoma: Prognosis is good with surgical removal, although some may recur.
  • There are no specific prevention methods for most adrenal tumors.
  • Regular check-ups may help in early detection, especially for individuals with a family history of adrenal tumors.
  • Genetic counseling may be considered for individuals with a family history of adrenal tumors.
  • Adenomas: Excellent survival rates after surgical removal.
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Overall 5-year survival rate is low, around 20-35%, depending on the stage at diagnosis.
  • Pheochromocytoma: With surgical removal, the prognosis is generally good, and the recurrence rate is low.

Survival rates can vary widely depending on factors such as tumor type, stage at diagnosis, and individual health conditions.