Adrenal Tumors

What is Adrenal Tumors?

Adrenal tumors are growths that develop in your adrenal glands. These small glands sit on top of each kidney. They make hormones that control many body functions, including blood pressure, stress response, and metabolism. Most adrenal tumors are benign, which means they are not cancerous.

Some adrenal tumors produce excess hormones, while others do not. When a tumor makes too much cortisol, testosterone, or other hormones, it can cause noticeable symptoms. These are called functioning tumors. Non-functioning tumors do not make extra hormones. They are often found by accident during imaging tests for other health issues.

Adrenal tumors can range in size from very small to several inches across. Most are discovered in adults between ages 30 and 60. Early detection through blood testing helps identify hormone imbalances before they cause serious health problems. Understanding your hormone levels is the first step toward managing this condition effectively.

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Symptoms

High blood pressure that is hard to control
Unexplained weight gain, especially in the face and upper back
Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass
Purple or pink stretch marks on the skin
Easy bruising or slow healing of cuts
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
Excessive sweating or feeling overheated
Anxiety, nervousness, or panic attacks
Changes in menstrual periods or excess body hair in women
Decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men

Many people with adrenal tumors have no symptoms at all, especially if the tumor is small and non-functioning. Some tumors are only discovered during scans for other medical reasons. This makes routine blood testing important for catching hormone imbalances early.

Causes and risk factors

Most adrenal tumors happen without a clear cause. They develop when cells in the adrenal gland grow abnormally. Genetic factors can play a role in some cases. Certain inherited conditions, like multiple endocrine neoplasia or familial adenomatous polyposis, increase your risk. However, most adrenal tumors occur in people with no family history.

Age is a risk factor, as these tumors are more common in adults over 30. Women develop certain types of adrenal tumors slightly more often than men. Obesity and metabolic syndrome may contribute to hormone-producing tumors. Long-term stress does not cause adrenal tumors, but it can affect overall adrenal health. Regular monitoring of adrenal hormones helps identify problems before they progress.

How it's diagnosed

Doctors diagnose adrenal tumors using a combination of blood tests and imaging studies. Blood tests measure hormone levels like cortisol and testosterone to see if the tumor is producing excess hormones. Morning cortisol tests are especially useful because cortisol levels naturally vary throughout the day. Elevated testosterone in women or very high levels in men can signal an adrenal tumor.

Rite Aid offers hormone testing that can detect imbalances caused by adrenal tumors. Our add-on tests measure cortisol and testosterone levels as part of your regular health monitoring. If blood tests show abnormal results, your doctor will likely order a CT scan or MRI to visualize the adrenal glands. These imaging tests help determine the size and location of any tumors. Early detection through testing allows for timely treatment and better outcomes.

Treatment options

Regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging for small, non-functioning tumors
Surgical removal of larger tumors or those producing excess hormones
Medications to block hormone production or control symptoms like high blood pressure
Stress management techniques to support overall adrenal health
Anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Regular exercise to maintain healthy weight and reduce metabolic stress
Limiting processed foods, refined sugars, and excess caffeine
Adequate sleep of 7 to 9 hours per night to support hormone balance
Working with an endocrinologist for specialized hormone management
Follow-up testing every 6 to 12 months to track tumor growth and hormone levels

Frequently asked questions

Many adrenal tumors cause no early symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often relate to excess hormone production. Common signs include high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, and rapid heartbeat. Some people notice mood changes, excessive sweating, or changes in their appearance like purple stretch marks.

Blood tests cannot see tumors directly, but they can detect hormone imbalances caused by functioning tumors. Tests for cortisol, testosterone, and other adrenal hormones help identify problems. If blood tests show abnormal hormone levels, your doctor will order imaging studies to look for tumors. Regular hormone monitoring helps catch issues early.

No, most adrenal tumors are benign, which means they are not cancerous. About 80 to 85 percent of adrenal tumors discovered are non-cancerous. However, all adrenal tumors need proper evaluation to determine if they produce excess hormones or require treatment. Your doctor will use imaging and blood tests to assess each tumor individually.

Testing frequency depends on your tumor type and treatment plan. Most people need hormone blood tests every 6 to 12 months. If you have a functioning tumor or symptoms, more frequent testing may be needed. Your doctor will also schedule periodic imaging scans to monitor tumor size and growth patterns.

While diet cannot shrink tumors, healthy lifestyle choices support overall adrenal function and hormone balance. An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep help your body manage hormone levels. These changes work best alongside medical treatment. Always follow your doctor's recommendations for tumor management.

Untreated functioning tumors can cause serious health problems from excess hormones. High cortisol levels may lead to diabetes, bone loss, and heart disease. Excess testosterone can cause reproductive issues and metabolic changes. Non-functioning tumors may grow larger over time. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention when needed.

Not everyone with an adrenal tumor needs surgery. Small, non-functioning tumors often just require monitoring. Surgery is usually recommended for tumors larger than 4 centimeters, those producing excess hormones, or those showing signs of cancer. Your endocrinologist will help determine the best approach based on your specific situation.

Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest levels occurring in the morning. Morning cortisol tests provide a baseline to compare against normal ranges. Adrenal tumors that produce excess cortisol will show elevated morning levels. This simple blood test is a key screening tool for identifying functioning adrenal tumors.

No, stress does not cause adrenal tumors to develop. These tumors form from abnormal cell growth in the adrenal glands. However, chronic stress does affect adrenal hormone production and overall health. Managing stress is important for supporting adrenal function, especially if you already have an adrenal tumor or hormone imbalance.

Functioning tumors produce excess hormones like cortisol, testosterone, or aldosterone. These cause symptoms related to hormone imbalance. Non-functioning tumors do not make extra hormones and often cause no symptoms. They are usually discovered accidentally during imaging tests for other reasons. Both types need monitoring, but functioning tumors more often require treatment.