Adrenal Gland Tumor: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Survival Rate
Adrenal gland tumors are uncommon growths in the small glands above each kidney. Even though the word “tumour” can be unsettling, Many adrenal tumors are non-cancerous and very treatable. Patients now have more options and better results than ever before, with personalized treatment plans and the development of new diagnostic tools.
In this blog, we’ll go over the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and survival rates of these tumors so you can be informed and, with assurance, take control of your health.
What Are the Adrenal Glands?
Your body consists of two small yellowish adrenal glands, sitting atop a kidney. These are part of the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production.
Structure of the Adrenal Glands:
- Adrenal Cortex (Outer layer): Regulates the production of essential hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. These regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and secondary sexual characteristics.
- Adrenal Medulla (Inner layer): Produces stress hormones—epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine—triggering the “fight or flight” response.
What Is an Adrenal Gland Tumor?
An adrenal gland tumor occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the adrenal glands. These tumors can be:
- Benign (non-cancerous)—They are usually localized, forming a tumor at one place, harmless, and surgically operable.
- Malignant (cancerous)—They may spread to other body regions and often show malignant characteristics; they are aggressive if diagnosed late or left untreated. Surgery might help to improve the survival rate, but not a complete cure.
Depending on their hormonal activity—whether they produce excess hormones or remain inactive—these are:-
- Functioning tumors– These hormones produce too much hormone in excess, affecting the body’s normal functioning and can become aggressive, and may lead to conditions like Cushing syndrome and Conn syndrome.
- Non-functioning tumors– Produce less hormone and often remain silent and are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for unrelated health issues. Most of them are benign (non-cancerous), such as adrenal adenomas; they don’t require immediate treatment but may require screening if they become malignant.
Types of Adrenal Gland Tumors
| Tumor Type | Origin (Cortex/Medulla) | Hormonal Influence | Common Symptoms | Comments |
| Adrenocortical Adenoma | Adrenal Cortex | Functioning or Non-functioning | Often none (if non-functioning); if functioning, it depends on the hormone | Most common, usually benign, and slow-growing |
| Aldosteronoma | Adrenal Cortex | Functioning (Aldosterone) | High blood pressure, low potassium, fatigue, and muscle weakness | Subtype of adenoma; causes primary aldosteronism |
| Cortisol-Producing Adenoma | Adrenal Cortex | Functioning (Cortisol) | Weight gain, Puffiness in face, high BP, diabetes, and bruising | Related to Cushing’s syndrome |
| Adrenocortical Carcinoma | Adrenal Cortex | Functioning or Non-functioning | Abdominal pain, weight changes, and hormone imbalance symptoms | Rare, aggressive; may produce multiple hormones |
| Pheochromocytoma | Adrenal Medulla | Functioning (Catecholamines) | High BP, headaches, sweating, palpitations, tremors | Can cause life-threatening hypertensive episodes |
| Neuroblastoma | Adrenal Medulla | Variable | Abdominal mass, bone pain, fatigue (mostly in children) | Mostly affects young children under 5; cancerous |
Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Tumors
Some of the specific signs and symptoms include:
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium
- Palpitations and anxiety
- Heavy sweating
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Muscle weakness
- stretch marks near the abdomen
- Irregular hair growth or acne
- Changes in libido (sexual drive) or genitals
Note- In pheochromocytoma, hormone surges may cause severely high blood pressure increases, Heart attack risk, stroke, or sudden death.
How Are Adrenal Gland Tumors Diagnosed?
The doctor may start with a physical examination to check for any symptoms or a combination of laboratory tests and imaging studies to determine the presence, type, and behavior of the tumor.
Blood and Urine Tests: Tests such as the Hormone level test check for elevated hormone levels, which can indicate a functioning adrenal tumor. These tests help identify overproduction of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, or catecholamines.
24-hour urine test: Urine collected over 24 hours accurately measures cortisol levels and confirms conditions like Cushing’s syndrome.
Imaging tests: Scans such as A CT (Computed Tomography) scan are the best at detecting adrenal tumors. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be recommended for further details or if the tumor is near sensitive structures.
Imaging helps evaluate:
Size of the tumor: Tumors larger than 4 centimeters are more likely to be malignant.
Characteristics such as shape, density, and spread to surrounding tissues.
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. A thin hollow needle is used to extract a small tissue sample, which is then examined under a microscope to see whether the tumor is cancerous or benign.
Note: Biopsies are avoided for adrenal tumors due to the risk of spreading cancerous cells and are recommended when strictly necessary and safe in some cases, like pheochromocytoma.
Treatment Options for Adrenal Gland Tumors
Adrenal gland tumor Treatment depends on Tumor type, stage, spread, overall health, and age. Here are some of the treatment options available:
Surgery (Adrenalectomy): First-line treatment for most adrenal tumors in cases where the tumor is large, producing hormones, or may become cancerous. It can often be done minimally invasively using laparoscopic techniques.
Medications: Help stop the production or effects of hormones, particularly in tumors that are actively growing. Control hypertension, especially in those who have aldosteronoma or pheochromocytoma. Prepare the body before surgery to stabilize hormone levels.
Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy: Adrenocortical carcinoma and other aggressive or metastatic adrenal cancers are usually treated with these methods. when the cancer has returned or surgery is not an option.
Targeted Therapy and Clinical Trials: In certain cases that are advanced or resistant to treatment, it is possible to block particular cancer cell pathways with targeted therapies. Clinical trials may provide access to promising new treatment options that are not yet generally available.
Adrenal Gland Tumor Survival Rates
| Stage | 5-Year Survival Rate |
| Localized (within the adrenal gland) | 74% |
| Regional (spread to nearby areas) | 54% |
| Distant (metastatic spread) | 38% |
| Overall for Adrenocortical Carcinoma | ~50% |
Note- The 5-year survival rate depends on the tumor stage, the patient’s overall health, and treatment success.
Simple Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Adrenal Gland Tumors
- What type of adrenal tumor am I suffering from?
- Is it cancerous or non-cancerous?
- Will this tumor turn into cancer in the future?
- Does it produce an excessive amount of hormones or not affect hormones at all?
- Should we just monitor it, or do I require treatment at this time?
- What would you suggest if I needed treatment?
- Will I need hormone medicine as part of my treatment or recovery?
- Is the treatment causing any side effects?
- Should I get tested to see if this runs in my family?
- After this, how frequently do I need scans or checkups?
Living With an Adrenal Gland Tumor
- Multidisciplinary care and early diagnosis lead to better results.
- Talk about supportive therapies and palliative care to control symptoms.
- Think about genetic counselling for inherited risks.
- Maintain regular follow-ups and imaging tests post-treatment.
Takeaway
Although they may sound alarming, many adrenal gland tumors are treatable, non-cancerous, and often detected early. Excellent outcomes can be achieved by understanding the symptoms, obtaining the proper diagnostic testing, and selecting the best course of treatment, whether it be medication, surgery, or monitoring. The majority of people go on to lead healthy, satisfying lives with early detection and personalized treatment. Be active about your health and always discuss concerns with your doctor.
FAQs
What are the first signs of an adrenal gland tumor?
Common symptoms include high blood pressure, weight changes, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.
Is an adrenal gland tumor always cancerous?
No, many tumors are benign (non-cancerous), especially adrenal adenomas. Regular monitoring and screening is required to check the growth of these tumors.
How Common Are Adrenal Gland Tumors?
Although rare. Adrenocortical carcinoma affects about 600 people per year in the U.S. Adults over age 40 have more common Non-cancerous adenomas, with an average age of diagnosis is 46, but tumors can occur at any age.
How is an adrenal gland tumor diagnosed?
Tests such as imaging (CT/MRI) and hormone testing via blood and urine analysis.
Can adrenal tumors be removed?
Yes, Surgical options such as Adrenalectomy, especially for functioning or malignant tumors, are available to remove the affected region.
Is an adrenal gland tumor life-threatening?
Malignant tumors like adrenocortical carcinoma can be serious, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve survival rates.
