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.

 

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 gland 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, your oncologist in Singapore may 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 tumors is not completely understood. Scientists believe that a combination of genetic changes, hormonal influences, and environmental factors may play a role.

Certain factors can increase the risk, such as:

• Obesity

• Tobacco use

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

• Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol

Genetic syndromes are also associated with a higher likelihood of developing adrenal tumors. These include multiple endocrine neoplasia (types 1 and 2), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Carney complex, and neurofibromatosis type 1. Patients considering surgical treatment often discuss the cost of adrenal surgery to plan their care effectively and make informed decisions.

Treatment Options for Adrenal Tumors

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

Small, nonfunctioning benign tumors usually do not need immediate treatment and are monitored through regular imaging. Surgery may be advised if the tumor is large, suspicious, or producing excess hormones. The surgical removal of the adrenal gland, known as adrenalectomy, helps restore hormonal balance and ease symptoms.

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

Discovering an adrenal tumor during a scan can feel overwhelming, but most are harmless. Your healthcare provider will assess whether your tumor affects hormone production and whether it requires surgery or monitoring.

If you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or high blood pressure, it may be worth checking your adrenal health. Schedule your appointment now and take the first step toward restoring balance and long-term wellness.