Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Adrenal Adenoma
An adrenal adenoma is a benign tumor of the glands that are located on top of each kidney (adrenal glands). These glands produce hormones. A benign tumor means that the growth is not cancer. A person may have one or more tumors in one or both glands. In almost all cases, adrenal adenomas do not cause any symptoms. These are called nonfunctional adenomas. In rare cases, an adenoma may produce high levels of hormones called cortisol or aldosterone. These tumors are called functional adenomas.
Adrenal adenomas become more common as people grow older, but are unlikely to become cancerous. However, nonfunctional adenomas may become functional.
What are the causes?
In most cases, the cause of this condition is not known.
In very rare cases, the condition may be passed from parent to child (inherited).
Smoking and tobacco use is associated with significant increases in adrenal adenomas.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Nonfunctional adrenal adenomas usually do not cause any symptoms.
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Symptoms of functional adrenal adenomas depend on which hormone is produced in high levels.
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Tumors that secrete cortisol cause a condition called Cushing’s syndrome. Signs and symptoms include:
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Increased fat in the upper body.
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Tiredness and loss of energy.
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Muscle weakness.
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High blood pressure.
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High blood sugar.
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Bruising and purple stretch marks in the skin, usually on the upper body.
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Facial hair, acne, and menstrual irregularities in women.
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Tumors that secrete aldosterone cause a condition called primary aldosteronism. Signs and symptoms include:
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High blood pressure that may be difficult to control.
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Tiredness and loss of energy.
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Headache.
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Weakness or numbness.
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Low potassium levels in your blood.
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How is this diagnosed?
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Your symptoms. Your health care provider may suspect the condition if you have signs and symptoms of a functional adenoma.
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A physical exam.
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Blood and urine tests to check for high levels of hormones.
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Imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:
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CT scan.
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MRI.
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PET scan.
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Biopsy. For this test, a sample of the tumor is removed and examined in a lab. This is done in rare cases where other tests have not given a clear result.
Adrenal adenomas are often found by chance when imaging studies of the abdomen are done for other reasons.
How is this treated?
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Observation. This is done if you have a nonfunctional adrenal adenoma. For observation, you may need:
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Regular imaging studies to make sure the tumor is not growing.
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Blood or urine tests to make sure the tumor is not becoming functional.
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Surgery. This is done if you have a functional adenoma. Surgery is the main treatment for this condition and usually cures it.
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Medicines. These are used if surgery is not possible. The medicines block the effects of the hormones.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important. This may include visits for regular tests and imaging studies.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You develop any of the signs or symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome or primary aldosteronism.
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You need help to stop smoking or using other tobacco products.
Summary
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An adrenal adenoma is a benign tumor of the adrenal gland.
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Nonfunctional adenomas rarely cause symptoms and do not need to be treated.
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Functional adenomas produce hormones and may cause symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome or primary aldosteronism, depending on the type of hormone they produce.
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Adrenal adenomas do not become cancerous. Nonfunctional adenomas may become functional.
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Surgery to remove the tumor is the usual treatment for functional adenomas.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
