Adrenal tumors

What is Adrenal tumors?

Adrenal tumors are growths that develop in the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of your kidneys and produce hormones that control blood pressure, metabolism, and stress response. Most adrenal tumors are noncancerous, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can still cause health problems by producing too much of certain hormones.

When an adrenal tumor grows, it may release extra amounts of hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, or sex hormones. This hormone imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms and health concerns. Some tumors are found by accident during imaging tests for other conditions. Others are discovered when people seek medical care for unexplained symptoms like high blood pressure or unusual weight gain.

Understanding your hormone levels through blood testing can help identify whether an adrenal tumor is affecting your health. Early detection allows you to work with your doctor on the right treatment plan. Most people with adrenal tumors can manage their condition well with proper monitoring and care.

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Symptoms

High blood pressure that is hard to control
Unexplained weight gain, especially in the face and upper body
High blood sugar or new onset diabetes
Unusual hair growth on face or body
Irregular menstrual periods in women
Decreased sex drive
Muscle weakness or fatigue
Easy bruising or purple stretch marks on skin
Rapid heartbeat or anxiety
Excessive sweating

Many adrenal tumors cause no symptoms at all, especially when they are small and not producing extra hormones. Some people only discover they have an adrenal tumor during imaging tests done for other health reasons. When symptoms do appear, they often develop slowly over months or years, making them easy to miss or attribute to other causes.

Causes and risk factors

Adrenal tumors form when cells in the adrenal glands grow abnormally. Most adrenal tumors happen without a clear cause and are not linked to lifestyle factors. In rare cases, genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia or Li-Fraumeni syndrome increase the risk. Family history of adrenal or endocrine tumors may also raise your risk slightly.

Age plays a role, as adrenal tumors are more common in adults over 40. Women develop certain types of hormone-producing adrenal tumors more often than men. Most adrenal tumors are discovered by chance during CT scans or MRIs done for other reasons. These are called incidentalomas. The exact triggers that cause cells to form tumors in the adrenal glands remain unclear to researchers.

How it's diagnosed

Doctors diagnose adrenal tumors using a combination of imaging tests and blood work. A CT scan or MRI can show the size and location of a tumor in your adrenal glands. Blood tests help determine if the tumor is producing excess hormones. Testing hormone levels like cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones such as estrone can reveal hormone imbalances caused by the tumor.

Rite Aid offers estrone testing as an add-on to help monitor hormone levels related to adrenal function. You can get tested at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Once a tumor is found, your doctor may order additional specialized tests to understand what type of tumor it is and whether it needs treatment. Some tumors require monitoring over time with repeat imaging and blood tests.

Treatment options

Regular monitoring with imaging tests and blood work for small, non-functioning tumors
Surgery to remove tumors that produce hormones or grow larger than 4 centimeters
Medications to block hormone production or control symptoms like high blood pressure
Stress management techniques to support overall adrenal health
Balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Regular physical activity to support metabolic health
Limiting processed foods and excess sugar to reduce inflammation
Working with an endocrinologist for specialized hormone care

Frequently asked questions

Many adrenal tumors cause no symptoms at all, especially when small. When symptoms occur, they often include high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, or changes in body hair. Some people experience fatigue, muscle weakness, or irregular periods. These signs develop slowly and can be mistaken for other conditions.

Most adrenal tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Studies show that over 80 percent of adrenal tumors discovered are noncancerous. However, even benign tumors can cause health problems if they produce excess hormones. Your doctor will determine the type of tumor through imaging and blood tests.

Blood tests measure hormone levels to see if an adrenal tumor is producing excess hormones. Tests may include cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones like estrone. Elevated levels suggest the tumor is functioning and affecting your hormonal balance. Regular blood testing helps monitor changes over time.

Adrenal tumors typically do not disappear without treatment. Small tumors that do not produce hormones may remain stable for years and only need monitoring. If a tumor grows or starts producing hormones, medical intervention becomes necessary. Regular imaging and blood work help track any changes.

While lifestyle changes cannot eliminate tumors, they support overall adrenal health. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and lean proteins helps maintain stable blood sugar. Regular exercise and stress management support healthy hormone balance. Avoiding excess caffeine and processed foods may also help reduce symptoms.

Surgery depends on the tumor size and whether it produces hormones. Doctors typically recommend surgery for tumors larger than 4 centimeters or those causing hormone imbalances. Small tumors that do not produce hormones can often be monitored with regular imaging. Your endocrinologist will help determine the best approach for your situation.

Testing frequency depends on your tumor type and symptoms. Most people with adrenal tumors need blood work and imaging every 6 to 12 months. If your tumor produces hormones, more frequent testing may be needed to monitor treatment effectiveness. Your doctor will create a monitoring schedule based on your specific needs.

Yes, some adrenal tumors cause weight gain by producing excess cortisol. This leads to a condition called Cushing syndrome, which causes fat to accumulate in the face, neck, and trunk. Weight gain from adrenal tumors often comes with other symptoms like high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Treating the tumor can help reverse these changes.

Some adrenal tumors produce excess sex hormones, including estrone. Elevated estrone levels can cause symptoms like irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, or changes in sex drive. Blood tests that measure estrone help identify whether an adrenal tumor is affecting your hormone balance. Monitoring estrone levels over time helps guide treatment decisions.

Untreated adrenal tumors that produce hormones can lead to serious health problems. High blood pressure may damage your heart and kidneys over time. Excess cortisol can cause diabetes, bone loss, and increased infection risk. Even non-functioning tumors need monitoring because they can grow or start producing hormones later.