Adrenal Surgery

The adrenal glands, situated on top of the kidneys, play a crucial role in hormone production and regulation. Adrenal tumors, whether benign or malignant, can affect hormone balance and overall health. 

Adrenal tumors can be categorized as:

Adrenal Adenomas: Benign tumors that typically do not produce hormones and are often discovered incidentally during imaging.

Functioning Adrenal Tumors: Tumors that produce hormones, leading to specific symptoms and imbalances.

Adrenocortical Carcinomas: Rare malignant tumors that can produce hormones and affect adrenal function.

Symptoms of Adrenal Tumors:

Hormone-Producing Tumors: Symptoms may include high blood pressure, weight changes, mood swings, excessive hair growth, and changes in blood sugar levels.

Non-functioning Tumors: Adrenal adenomas may not cause noticeable symptoms unless they are large or cause pressure on surrounding organs.

Diagnosis and Evaluation:

Imaging: Scans like CT, MRI, and PET scans can help visualize the tumor’s location, size, and characteristics.

Hormone Testing: Blood and urine tests can assess hormone levels to determine if the tumor is producing hormones.

Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.

Treatment Approaches for Adrenal Tumors:

The treatment strategy depends on factors such as tumor type, hormone production, and tumor size:

Observation: Small, non-functioning adenomas that are not causing symptoms may be monitored over time.

Surgery: Surgical removal is often recommended for functioning tumors or larger adenomas that cause symptoms.

Hormone Control: For hormone-producing tumors, medications can be used to control hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.

Chemotherapy and Radiation: These approaches may be considered for malignant adrenal tumors.