Adrenal Tumors
What You Should Know About Adrenal Tumors
Your adrenal glands help produce hormones. An adrenal tumor can get in the way and disrupt normal activity in men and women.
Overview
What are Adrenal Tumors?
The adrenal glands are small endocrine organs located just above the kidney and are essential to hormonal production throughout the body. Tumors of the adrenal come in benign and malignant forms, both of which can alter normal hormonal regulation.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Adrenal Tumors?
You may experience the following common symptoms:
- Altered electrolyte levels
- Depression, nervousness, anxiety or panic attacks
- Easy bruising
- Elevated blood sugars or poorly controlled diabetes
- Excessive hair growth
- Fat deposits on the trunk or neck
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Stretch marks on the abdomen
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Weight gain or loss
Cause
What causes Adrenal Tumors?
While the cause of most adrenal tumors is unknown, there are some hereditary conditions that have been associated with an increased incidence of developing adrenal growths.
Diagnosis
How are Adrenal Tumors diagnosed?
What to know before your visit to MidLantic Urology in Philadelphia and surrounding counties:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history and will perform an exam.
Other tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Labs and urine testing
- CT scan or MRI of the abdomen are used to better characterize the abnormality
Treatment
How are Adrenal Tumors treated?
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Sometimes these tumors can be observed with repeat imaging on a six-to-12-month basis.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
On the occasion that the adrenal tumor is large, alters appropriate hormonal activity, or has a risk of malignancy (cancer), it should then be removed by a urologic oncologist. Hormonal therapy is usually required prior to surgery. An individualized surgical approach can be discussed with your doctor, and performed in a robotic, laparoscopic, or open fashion.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology Physician near you today!
