Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal tumours are unusual growths that happen in the adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney and make hormones that are important for life, like cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. Adrenal adenomas are benign tumours, while adrenal carcinoma is a malignant tumour. Some adrenal tumours are functional, which means they make too many hormones. Others are not functioning and are found by chance when imaging is done for other reasons.

Adrenal tumours that work can cause hormone-related problems such as Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol), Conn's syndrome (too much aldosterone), or pheochromocytoma (too much adrenaline). Some symptoms are elevated blood pressure, weight gain that doesn't make sense, weak muscles, headaches, perspiration, and anxiety. Blood and urine hormone testing, as well as imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, are used to find out the size and kind of tumour.

The type, size, and hormone activity of the tumour will determine how it is treated. Adrenalectomy, or surgical removal of the adrenal gland, is the main treatment for functioning or large tumours and suspected malignancies. Laparoscopic surgery that is minimally invasive leads to speedier recovery and fewer problems. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment can help avoid significant hormonal imbalances and improve long-term consequences.