Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the adrenal glands—two small glands sitting above your kidneys. These glands act like control centers, producing vital hormones that regulate blood pressure, metabolism, stress response, and sex hormones.

In adrenal tumors, something goes wrong. Cells in the adrenal cortex or medulla multiply uncontrollably, forming masses that may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some tumors produce excess hormones, leading to symptoms like high blood pressure, unexplained weight changes, or anxiety. Others stay “silent” until they grow large enough to cause pain or pressure.

At its root, adrenal tumors arise from genetic mutations in adrenal cells—errors in the code that controls their growth and hormone production.

This glitch can happen due to:

Imagine your adrenal glands as factories producing hormones on demand. In adrenal tumors, one factory machine breaks down and starts overproducing or building defective products. This overload throws the body off balance, leading to high blood pressure, weight gain, or anxiety. Treatment is like repairing or removing the faulty machine so the factory can work normally again.

Adrenal tumors aren’t one-size-fits-all. They split into two main categories, each with unique subtypes, challenges, and treatments.

Symptoms vary depending on whether tumors produce hormones. Some are “silent” until found on scans; others announce themselves with dramatic hormone changes. Recognizing signs early can make a life-saving difference.

What You Might Notice

• Persistent high blood pressure (especially resistant to medications).
• Sudden weight gain (round face, belly fat, thin limbs—Cushing’s signs).
• Unexplained weight loss and weakness.
• Severe headaches and palpitations.
• Anxiety, panic-like episodes, or sweating attacks.
• Excess hair growth in women (hirsutism).
• Irregular periods or infertility.
• Abdominal pain or fullness (from large tumors).

Adrenal tumor symptoms overlap with:

• High blood pressure from other causes.
• Anxiety or panic disorders.
• Thyroid problems.
• Benign kidney/adrenal cysts.

Simple hormone tests and imaging can clarify the diagnosis.

Adrenal tumors don’t always have a clear cause, but researchers have identified several contributors.

What Sparks Adrenal Tumors?

• Family history of adrenal or endocrine tumors.
• Known genetic syndromes (MEN, VHL, Li-Fraumeni).
• Age (benign adenomas common after 40; ACC often in 40–60s).
• High blood pressure that’s hard to control.
• Previous cancer treatments (like radiation).

While adrenal tumors aren’t always preventable, healthy habits may support adrenal and overall health:

Diagnosing adrenal tumors involves hormone testing and imaging.

The Diagnostic Toolkit:

• Blood & Urine Tests: Cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamines.
• Imaging (CT, MRI, PET): Detects tumor size, shape, and spread.
• Adrenal Vein Sampling: Identifies which adrenal gland is overproducing hormones.
• Biopsy: Rare, only if cancer spread is suspected.

• Surgery (Adrenalectomy): Gold standard for functional or malignant tumors.
• Medications: Control hormones (spironolactone for aldosterone, ketoconazole for cortisol).
• Chemotherapy & Mitotane: For adrenocortical carcinoma.
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Emerging in research.
• Observation: For small, non-functional adenomas.

Your outlook depends on tumor type:

What Improves Prognosis?

• Early detection.
• Complete surgical removal.
• Access to specialized care.

Every story is unique—many patients live full, healthy lives after treatment, especially with expert care and early action.

A Word of Comfort

No matter your prognosis, today’s tools—plus your resilience—open doors to more time, joy, and possibilities. We’re here to help you walk through them.

Adrenal tumors aren’t just a physical challenge—they can affect your emotions, hormones, and daily life. Feeling scared, hopeful, or overwhelmed is normal. Here’s how to care for your emotions, balance your body, and live fully during and after treatment.

Nurturing Your Emotional Health

Why It Matters: Emotional and lifestyle care fuel your fight. Al Riaz offers counseling, nutrition plans, and survivor networks to help you thrive.

Facing adrenal tumors is challenging, but Al Riaz Health Services makes it easier with personalized, global support.

Prevention & Early Detection: