Adrenal Tumor (Adenoma or Carcinoma)

What is Adrenal Tumor (Adenoma or Carcinoma)?

Adrenal tumors are growths that develop in the adrenal glands. These small glands sit on top of your kidneys and make hormones that control blood pressure, metabolism, and stress response. Most adrenal tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancer. These are called adenomas. Some adrenal tumors are cancerous and are called adrenal carcinomas.

The adrenal glands produce several key hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. When a tumor grows in the adrenal gland, it may produce too much of one or more hormones. This causes symptoms related to hormone imbalance. Some adrenal tumors do not produce hormones and are discovered by accident during imaging tests for other health issues.

Adrenal carcinomas are rare but serious. They tend to grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. Adenomas are much more common and grow slowly. Many people have small adrenal adenomas that never cause problems. The key is identifying which tumors are producing excess hormones or growing in concerning ways.

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Symptoms

Rapid weight gain, especially in the face, chest, and abdomen
High blood pressure that is difficult to control
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Easy bruising and slow wound healing
In women, excess facial and body hair, acne, and irregular periods
In men, breast enlargement and decreased sex drive
Purple or pink stretch marks on the skin
Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Abdominal or back pain if the tumor is large

Many small adrenal tumors cause no symptoms at all. They are often found by chance during CT scans or MRIs done for other reasons. However, tumors that produce hormones usually cause noticeable changes in your body. The specific symptoms depend on which hormones are being overproduced.

Causes and risk factors

Most adrenal tumors develop without a clear cause. Adenomas usually appear randomly as people age. They are more common in people over 50. Adrenal carcinomas are extremely rare and can occur at any age. Some genetic conditions increase the risk of adrenal tumors, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Family history of adrenal disease may also increase risk.

Certain lifestyle and health factors may contribute to adrenal tumor development. Chronic stress can affect adrenal function over time. Smoking and obesity are linked to increased cancer risk in general. High blood pressure and diabetes may be both risk factors for and results of certain adrenal tumors. Most people who develop adrenal adenomas have no identifiable risk factors.

How it's diagnosed

Adrenal tumors are diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests and blood work. CT scans and MRI imaging can show the size and characteristics of adrenal masses. Blood and urine tests measure hormone levels to determine if the tumor is producing excess hormones. DHEA-Sulfate is one important blood marker for adrenal tumors. Very high levels, often above 700 to 800 mcg/dL, suggest an adrenal tumor may be present. This test helps doctors distinguish adrenal issues from other hormone problems.

Rite Aid offers DHEA-Sulfate testing as part of our preventive health panel. This can help identify elevated adrenal hormones early. If results show very high levels, your doctor may order additional imaging and specialized hormone tests. A biopsy is rarely done for adrenal tumors due to location. Instead, doctors use imaging features and hormone patterns to make treatment decisions.

Treatment options

Surgical removal of the tumor, especially for carcinomas or large adenomas causing symptoms
Medications to block excess hormone production, such as ketoconazole or metyrapone
Blood pressure medications to manage hypertension caused by hormone excess
Chemotherapy for adrenal carcinomas that have spread or cannot be fully removed
Regular monitoring with imaging and blood tests for small, non-functioning adenomas
Stress reduction techniques including meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep
Balanced nutrition with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Limiting processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol that stress adrenal function
Regular physical activity to support hormone balance and overall health
Working with an endocrinologist who specializes in adrenal disorders

Frequently asked questions

An adenoma is a benign tumor that grows slowly and rarely spreads. A carcinoma is cancerous, grows quickly, and can spread to other organs. Adenomas are very common and often require no treatment. Carcinomas are rare but require immediate medical attention and usually surgery.

Adrenal tumors typically do not disappear without treatment. Small adenomas may stay the same size for years and never cause problems. If a tumor is producing excess hormones or growing larger, medical intervention is needed. Regular monitoring helps doctors decide when treatment is necessary.

If you have symptoms of hormone imbalance or a family history of adrenal disease, annual testing is wise. DHEA-Sulfate levels can be checked through routine blood work. People with known adrenal adenomas may need testing every 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your individual situation.

DHEA-S is made by the adrenal glands. Mildly elevated levels can occur with stress or polycystic ovary syndrome. Very high levels, especially above 700 to 800 mcg/dL, strongly suggest an adrenal tumor. This finding requires follow-up imaging and consultation with an endocrinologist to determine the cause.

Most adrenal adenomas occur randomly and are not inherited. However, certain genetic syndromes increase risk, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia. If you have a family history of adrenal tumors or related conditions, genetic counseling may be helpful. Most people with adrenal tumors have no family history.

Lifestyle changes cannot shrink tumors but can support overall adrenal health. Managing stress, eating nutrient-dense foods, and getting regular exercise help balance hormones. These habits may reduce symptoms from hormone-producing tumors. However, tumors causing significant symptoms or growing usually require medical treatment or surgery.

Severe high blood pressure, sudden severe abdominal pain, or rapid unexplained weight changes need urgent evaluation. Signs of adrenal crisis include extreme weakness, confusion, severe nausea, and low blood pressure. If you have known adrenal disease and develop these symptoms, seek emergency care. Early intervention prevents serious complications.

Most adrenal tumor surgeries are done laparoscopically through small incisions. This minimally invasive approach has faster recovery than open surgery. For large tumors or suspected carcinomas, open surgery may be needed to ensure complete removal. Recovery typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the approach used.

If caught early and completely removed with surgery, some adrenal carcinomas can be cured. However, these cancers often spread before causing symptoms. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and medications to control hormone production. Five-year survival rates vary widely depending on the stage at diagnosis.

Yes, adrenal tumors should be evaluated by an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone disorders. Complex cases may also involve surgical specialists and oncologists. These experts can determine if the tumor is producing hormones, assess cancer risk, and recommend appropriate treatment. Regular specialist follow-up ensures the best outcomes.