Description

Benign adrenal tumors are lumps that are not cancer. It is formed in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. These glands produce hormones that send messages to almost all organs and tissues in the body.

There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Each gland has two types of tissue: the cortex and the medulla. Benign adrenal tumors that grow in the cortex are called adenomas, adrenal. Those that grow in the bone marrow are called pheochromocytomas (fee-or-kroe-moe-sy-TOE-muhs).

Most benign adrenal tumors do not cause symptoms and do not need treatment. But sometimes these tumors do high levels of some hormones that can cause problems. The cortex hormones control metabolism, blood pressure, and certain functions of the body, such as the growth of the hair. The hormones of the cord control the body's response to stress.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on whether the tumor produces hormones, what hormone is produced and how much is done. But many benign adrenal gland tumors do not cause symptoms, because they do not make hormones.

The most common type of benign adrenal tumor, called an adenoma, comes from the adrenal cortex. This type of tumor can cause symptoms such as:

  • The increase of weight.
  • Easy bruising.
  • High blood pressure, also called hypertension.
  • Diabetes.
  • Depressed mood.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle weakness or cramps.

A type of benign adrenal tumor of the spinal cord is called a pheochromocytoma. It can cause the following symptoms:

  • High blood pressure, also called hypertension.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Sweating.
  • The tremors.
  • The pain of a headache.

Causes

The cause of benign adrenal tumors are often not known.

Risk factors

The following may increase the risk of developing a tumor, benign adrenal tumor:

  • A family history of benign adrenal tumors.
  • Certain syndromes transmitted from parents to children, so-called genetic syndromes, which cause benign adrenal tumors more likely.
  • A history of having a tumor in the adrenal glands surgically removed.

Diagnosis

Benign adrenal tumors are often found by chance in the images is done for another reason. A health care professional, then look at what is the probability of cancer tumor and if it is doing much of the hormone.

Tests

Along with a physical exam, a health care professional is run blood and urine tests to see if the tumor is making too much of the hormone. The tests also indicate that the hormone of the tumor is doing.

Imaging tests can give more details about the tumor. They can show if the tumor is at high risk of having a cancer, which is rare.

Imaging tests may include:

  • CTscan. This type of scan takes a series of X-ray images from different angles and turns them into cross-sectional images.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging. This type of scan uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images.
  • M-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging. This type of scan uses a radioactive compound is injected into the body. Some tumors of the adrenal gland to take the compound. The image may show small amounts of compounds that are picked up by a tumor.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET). This type of analysis can also detect radioactive compounds taken up by a tumor.
  • Ga-DOTATATEPETscanning. This new test image is not widely offered. Ga-DOTATATE PET scan is performed along with a ct scan or an mri . This type of test is good in the pursuit of tumors of the endocrine system, such as benign adrenal tumors.

Treatment

Benign adrenal tumors usually do not need treatment. The treatment depends on the probability that the tumor is to become cancer. The treatment may also depend on whether the tumor is making hormones, the type of hormone that is produced and how much is being done.

Treatment for small benign adrenal tumors that are not causing hormones might involve seeing the tumor. It could be to repeat the tests image of 3 to 6 months after diagnosis, and then every one or two years. See it might also include the analysis of hormones each year for five years.

If the tumor is growing or causing symptoms, the symptoms can be treated with medications. Medications can also be used to treat the symptoms such as high blood pressure before surgery.

The surgery to remove the adrenal gland, called adrenalectomy, can be used to treat a benign tumor in the adrenal glands. The surgery can be performed laparoscopically if the tumor is small and is not likely to be cancer.

Preparing for your appointment

You could start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Or you may be sent to a specialist in the endocrine system, called an endocrinologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as not eating or drinking before a test. Make a list of:

  • Its symptoms, including those that do not appear to be linked to the reason of his appointment, and when they began.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care professional.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For a benign adrenal tumor, some questions are:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes?
  • What tests do I need?
  • How is the probability that the tumor can become a cancer?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What web sites can be useful?
Symptoms and treatment of Benign adrenal tumors