Adrenal Tumor or Cancer

What is Adrenal Tumor or Cancer?

Adrenal tumors are growths that develop in the adrenal glands. These two small glands sit on top of your kidneys. They make hormones that control blood pressure, metabolism, stress response, and sex hormone production. Most adrenal tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, some can be malignant or cancerous.

When tumors form in the adrenal glands, they may produce too much of certain hormones. This can lead to various health problems depending on which hormone is overproduced. Some tumors do not make extra hormones and are found during imaging tests for other reasons. These are called incidental adrenal masses or incidentalomas.

Adrenal cancer is rare. It accounts for fewer than 1 in 1 million cases per year. Most adrenal growths are benign adenomas that do not spread. However, any adrenal tumor needs proper evaluation to understand its type and whether it affects your hormone levels.

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Symptoms

Many people with small adrenal tumors have no symptoms at all. Symptoms appear when tumors grow large or produce excess hormones. Common symptoms include:

High blood pressure that is difficult to control
Unexplained weight gain, especially in the face and upper body
Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass
Easy bruising or purple stretch marks on the skin
Increased body hair growth in women
Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
Severe headaches
Excessive sweating
Abdominal or back pain from a large tumor pressing on nearby organs

Many adrenal tumors are discovered accidentally during imaging tests for unrelated conditions. These incidental findings often cause no symptoms. Early detection through blood testing can identify hormone imbalances before symptoms become severe.

Causes and risk factors

Most adrenal tumors develop without a clear cause. Certain genetic conditions increase the risk of developing adrenal tumors or cancer. These include Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1, and Carney complex. Family history of adrenal disorders or endocrine cancers may raise your risk. Adrenal cancer occurs more often in children under age 5 and adults between 40 and 50 years old.

Risk factors for adrenal tumors include smoking, obesity, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Some tumors form when cells in the adrenal gland begin to grow abnormally. Benign adenomas are common and occur in up to 7% of adults over age 60. Most people with these tumors never know they have them. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices may play a role, but more research is needed to understand all contributing factors.

How it's diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with blood tests to measure hormone levels. ACTH and DHEA-S testing can reveal whether your adrenal glands are producing too much of certain hormones. Certain adrenal tumors produce excess ACTH or DHEA-S, which shows up in blood work. Rite Aid offers testing for ACTH and DHEA-S as part of our flagship panel at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to visualize the adrenal glands. These scans show the size and location of any tumors. Additional specialized tests may include 24-hour urine collection to measure hormone breakdown products. A biopsy is rarely needed and can be risky for adrenal masses. Most diagnoses rely on blood work, imaging, and careful monitoring of symptoms.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the type of tumor, its size, and whether it produces hormones. Options include:

Active surveillance with regular blood tests and imaging for small, non-functioning tumors
Medications to block excess hormone production or control symptoms like high blood pressure
Surgery to remove the tumor or affected adrenal gland for large tumors or cancer
Radiation therapy for certain cancerous tumors that cannot be fully removed
Chemotherapy for advanced adrenal cancer that has spread to other organs
Stress management techniques to support overall adrenal health
Dietary changes to reduce inflammation and support hormone balance
Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Most benign adrenal tumors do not require treatment beyond monitoring. If you have an adrenal tumor removed surgically, you may need hormone replacement therapy if both glands are affected. Working closely with an endocrinologist ensures proper management of any hormone imbalances. Early detection through blood testing allows for timely intervention before complications develop.

Frequently asked questions

Many adrenal tumors cause no early symptoms and are found by chance during imaging tests. When symptoms do appear, they often relate to excess hormone production. These may include unexplained weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or unusual hair growth. Regular blood testing can detect hormone imbalances before symptoms become obvious.

Benign adrenal tumors are relatively common, appearing in up to 7% of adults over age 60. Most of these are small adenomas that do not cause symptoms or health problems. Adrenal cancer is extremely rare, with fewer than 1 in 1 million cases diagnosed each year. The vast majority of adrenal masses discovered are benign.

Blood tests cannot directly see a tumor, but they can detect abnormal hormone levels that suggest an adrenal tumor is present. ACTH and DHEA-S testing reveal whether your adrenal glands are overproducing certain hormones. Elevated levels may indicate a functioning tumor that requires further evaluation. Rite Aid offers both ACTH and DHEA-S testing as part of our core panel.

Benign adrenal tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life threatening. Malignant tumors, or adrenal cancer, can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs. Benign tumors are far more common and often require only monitoring. Malignant tumors need aggressive treatment including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Most adrenal tumors occur sporadically without a family connection. However, certain genetic syndromes increase the risk of developing adrenal tumors. These include Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1, and Carney complex. If you have a family history of adrenal disorders or endocrine cancers, talk to your doctor about genetic testing and screening.

Small, non-functioning benign tumors often require no treatment and can be safely monitored over time. However, tumors that produce excess hormones can lead to serious complications if left untreated. These may include uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or heart problems. Malignant tumors can grow and spread to other organs, making early detection and treatment essential.

Testing frequency depends on the type and size of your tumor. Non-functioning benign tumors may require blood work and imaging once or twice per year. Functioning tumors that produce hormones often need more frequent monitoring every 3 to 6 months. Your endocrinologist will create a personalized testing schedule based on your specific situation.

Lifestyle changes cannot shrink or eliminate adrenal tumors, but they can help manage symptoms and support overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, managing stress, and avoiding smoking all support adrenal function. Eating anti-inflammatory foods and getting regular exercise may help control blood pressure and blood sugar. These changes work best alongside medical treatment and monitoring.

Survival rates for adrenal cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis. When caught early and confined to the adrenal gland, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 65%. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the rate drops to around 44%. For advanced cancer that has spread to distant organs, the 5-year survival rate is about 7%. Early detection through hormone testing improves outcomes significantly.

Not all adrenal tumors require surgery. Small benign tumors that do not produce hormones can often be monitored without intervention. Surgery is typically recommended for tumors larger than 4 centimeters, those producing excess hormones, or any tumor suspected of being cancerous. Your doctor will consider the tumor size, hormone activity, and imaging characteristics when deciding on treatment.