Most masses of the adrenal gland are not cancerous but many adrenal masses
can cause serious health issues.
What is an adrenal mass?
An adrenal mass (or tumor) is a type of abnormal growth that occurs in
the adrenal gland.
The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped glands that are located above
the kidneys. Adrenal glands have an important role to play in our body,
including the production of hormones that are key to metabolism, growth,
and fertility.
Cancer that starts in the adrenal glands is rare, and most masses are benign.
However, if the mass grows and spreads to other parts of the body, it
means it is cancerous.
Types of adrenal masses include:
Myelolipoma
Adrenal cortical carcinoma
Pheochromocytoma
Aldosteronoma
Neuoblastoma
What are the symptoms of adrenal cancer?
Some of the symptoms of functional adrenal tumors and adrenal cancer are
caused by hormones made by the tumor. Others are caused by the tumor getting
bigger and pressing on nearby organs.
Symptoms vary from person to person, and can include:
Belly or back pain
Belly stretch marks
A lump in the belly that can be felt
Muscle cramps or weakness
Easy bruising
Rapid heartbeat or heart pounding
Headache
Full feeling in the belly, or feeling full after eating only a small amount
Sexual problems
Enlarged breasts or sex organs
Extra facial and body hair, especially in women
Deepening voice
Fatty areas on the shoulders and back of the neck
Round, red face
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Weakness, fatigue, and low potassium levels
Feeling thirsty
New anxiety or panic attacks
Needing to urinate much more than normal
High blood pressure
High blood sugar levels
Bone weakening (osteoporosis)
Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems, so it’s
important to reach out to your doctor if you experience anything concerning.
They can help you understand your symptoms and can run tests to determine
if they are caused by cancer, or another condition.
Testing for adrenal mass
Testing for an adrenal mass typically involves a combination of medical
history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. Most adrenal
masses are found incidentally. Adrenal masses can be benign or malignant,
and determining the nature of the mass is crucial for proper treatment
and management. Most are found incidentally. Here's a general outline
of how testing for an adrenal mass is typically conducted:
Medical History and Physical Examination: The process often starts with a thorough medical history and physical
examination by a healthcare provider. They may ask about symptoms such
as high blood pressure, weight changes, abdominal pain, or other signs
that could be related to adrenal issues.
Blood Tests:
Hormone Level Tests: Adrenal masses can produce hormones, which may lead to specific symptoms.
Blood tests can measure the levels of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone,
and catecholamines. Elevated levels of these hormones can be indicative
of certain adrenal conditions.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test can identify signs of inflammation or infection.
Imaging Studies:
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan is a common imaging technique used to visualize adrenal masses.
It can provide detailed information about the size, location, and characteristics
of the mass.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI may be used for further evaluation, especially when a more detailed
view is needed or when contrast material cannot be used.
Adrenal masses can vary greatly in their characteristics and can have different
clinical implications, so a personalized approach to testing and treatment
is crucial.
Treatment options for an adrenal mass
Treatment options for an adrenal mass depend on a few factors:
Is the mass cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign)?
What is the size of the mass?
How advanced is the mass?
Possible treatment options include:
Observation: If your adrenal mass is small and doesn’t cause symptoms, your
provider may suggest monitoring it over time. You’ll come back for
regular imaging tests.
Surgery: Your provider may recommend surgery if the adrenal mass is large or causing
symptoms—especially if it’s cancerous or has spread. Surgery
can happen via open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. It may involve removing
all or part of the affected adrenal gland.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is an option if surgery isn’t possible or if cancer
has spread beyond the adrenal gland.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is also an option if the cancer has spread beyond the adrenal gland.
Hormone therapy: If the adrenal gland is working and making hormones, hormone therapy
can help when the gland makes too much hormone. This type of therapy may
involve medication that blocks hormone production or works against its effects.
