What Are Adrenal Tumors and What You Should Know About Them?

There are parts of your body that you cannot see and may not even think about, yet they work tirelessly to keep you healthy. Your adrenal glands are one such example. These small, triangular glands sit on top of your kidneys and are part of the endocrine system. Their job is to produce essential hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and your body’s response to stress.

Like most organs, the adrenal glands can develop tumors. The good news is that most adrenal tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, even noncancerous adrenal tumors should not be ignored. Understanding what adrenal tumors are and how they are diagnosed or treated can help you take the right steps toward managing your health.

What Are Adrenal Tumors?

Adrenal tumors are abnormal growths that form in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. These glands make important hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline that regulate stress, metabolism, and blood pressure. Adrenal tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Many are harmless and discovered by chance during medical scans. However, some are “functioning” tumors that produce excess hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, or high blood pressure. Others are “nonfunctioning” and cause no symptoms unless they grow large. Around 15 percent of incidental adrenal tumors are hormonally active and may affect overall health. If treatment is required, advanced options such as adrenal surgery in Singapore are available to safely remove tumors and restore hormonal balance.

 

Symptoms of Adrenal Tumors

The symptoms depend on the type of tumor and which hormone it produces.

Cortisol-producing tumors may lead to Cushing’s syndrome, a condition marked by:

• Weight gain or obesity

• High blood pressure & sugar

• Fatigue and muscle weakness

• Mood changes or depression

• Menstrual irregularities

• Acne, facial redness, or stretch marks

Aldosterone-producing tumors, which cause Conn’s syndrome, can lead to:

• Persistent high blood pressure that does not respond to medication

• Muscle weakness or cramps

• Low potassium and magnesium levels

• High sodium levels

Pheochromocytomas, which produce excess adrenaline, often cause:

• Rapid heart rate

• Sweating, anxiety, or panic attacks

• Weight loss and insomnia

Nonfunctioning tumors may initially cause no symptoms but can lead to discomfort or pain if they grow large enough to press on tissues. For complex or hormonally active cases, adrenal surgery in Singapore may be recommended to manage the condition effectively.

How Do Doctors Determine if an Adrenal Tumor Is Cancerous?

Determining whether an adrenal tumor is cancerous requires several diagnostic steps. Doctors usually start with imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds to check the tumor's size, shape, and structure. Hormone tests are also important. These tests use blood and urine samples to see if the tumor produces extra hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, or adrenaline.

In some cases, recommend a biopsy if imaging suggests a suspicious growth. Studies show that malignancy is rare in tumors smaller than four centimeters but increases with size. Tumors larger than six centimeters have about a 13 percent chance of being cancerous.

With accurate imaging and hormonal assessment, doctors can determine the nature of the adrenal tumor and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Some hospitals also provide laparoscopic and robotic surgery for removal of adrenal tumor, which allows faster recovery and minimal scarring compared to open procedures.

 

What Causes Adrenal Gland Tumors?

The exact cause of adrenal gland tumors is not fully known. However, doctors believe that these tumors may form due to a mix of genetic mutations, hormonal changes, and environmental factors that affect the adrenal glands over time.

Certain conditions and lifestyle factors may increase the risk, including:

• Obesity

• Tobacco use

• Older age (adrenal tumors are most common in people over 60)

• Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol

Additionally, some inherited genetic disorders are strongly linked to adrenal tumors. These include Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN types 1 and 2), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Carney complex, and Neurofibromatosis type 1. Individuals with these conditions are encouraged to undergo regular screening for early detection.

When treatment is required, patients may be referred for specialist care, including adrenal surgery in Singapore, where minimally invasive surgical techniques are available to remove tumors safely and precisely. It is also helpful for patients to discuss the cost of adrenal surgery in advance, so they are fully informed and prepared for their treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Adrenal Tumors

Treatment for adrenal tumors depends on whether they are benign or malignant and if they affect hormone production.

Nonfunctioning benign tumors are usually monitored and may require surgery if large or hormone-producing. Adrenalectomy can restore hormonal balance. And when adrenal gland surgery is not possible, medications such as spironolactone can help manage hormone levels. In cases of adrenal cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy based on the stage of the disease.

When adrenal gland surgery is not possible, medications such as spironolactone can help manage hormone levels. In cases of adrenal cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy based on the stage of the disease.

Early diagnosis and expert care from an adrenal gland specialist in Singapore can significantly improve treatment success and long-term outcomes.

 

Takeaway

Finding an adrenal tumor on a scan can be overwhelming, but most are benign. If you have unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or high blood pressure, consider evaluating your adrenal health. Early assessment and treatment can help restore hormonal balance and prevent complications.

For expert care, you can consult Dr. Jaideep Raj Rao, Senior Consultant Surgeon at JR Surgery, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore. Schedule your appointment now and take the first step toward restoring long-term wellness and improved quality of life.