Adrenal Tumor
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Types & Advanced Surgical Treatment
Advanced Endocrine & Laparoscopic Surgical Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is an Adrenal Tumor?
An adrenal tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in one or both adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney.
These glands produce essential hormones such as:
✔ Cortisol (stress hormone)
✔ Aldosterone (controls blood pressure & electrolytes)
✔ Adrenaline (fight-or-flight hormone)
✔ Sex hormones
Adrenal tumors can be:
✔ Benign (non-cancerous)
✔ Malignant (cancerous)
✔ Functional (hormone-producing)
✔ Non-functional (not producing hormones)
Many adrenal tumors are discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions — these are called adrenal incidentalomas.
Types of Adrenal Tumors
1️⃣ Adrenal Adenoma (Most Common – Usually Benign)
✔ May or may not produce hormones
✔ Often found incidentally
2️⃣ Pheochromocytoma
✔ Produces excess adrenaline
✔ Causes severe blood pressure spikes
3️⃣ Adrenocortical Carcinoma
✔ Rare but aggressive cancer
✔ Often produces hormones
4️⃣ Metastatic Tumors
✔ Spread from other cancers (lung, breast, kidney)
5️⃣ Cushing’s Syndrome (Due to Cortisol-Producing Tumor)
✔ Excess cortisol production
6️⃣ Conn’s Syndrome (Aldosterone-Producing Tumor)
✔ Causes uncontrolled high blood pressure
Symptoms of Adrenal Tumors
Symptoms depend on whether the tumor produces hormones.
If Hormone-Producing:
✔ High blood pressure
✔ Unexplained weight gain
✔ Muscle weakness
✔ Excess facial hair (in women)
✔ Mood changes
✔ Irregular periods
✔ Severe headaches
✔ Sweating episodes
✔ Palpitations
If Non-Functional:
✔ Abdominal pain (rare)
✔ Back pain
✔ Often no symptoms
Large tumors may cause pressure symptoms.
Warning Signs 🚨
Seek immediate care if:
🚨 Sudden severe headache with high BP
🚨 Rapid heartbeat
🚨 Persistent uncontrolled hypertension
🚨 Unexplained rapid weight changes
🚨 Severe weakness
Pheochromocytoma can cause life-threatening blood pressure crises.
How Is an Adrenal Tumor Diagnosed?
Blood Tests
✔ Cortisol levels
✔ Aldosterone levels
✔ Renin levels
✔ Metanephrines (for pheochromocytoma)
Urine Tests
✔ 24-hour urine hormone analysis
Imaging Studies
✔ Ultrasound
✔ CT scan abdomen
✔ MRI
✔ PET scan (for suspected malignancy)
Imaging helps determine size, location, and suspicion of cancer.
When Is Surgery Required?
Surgery is recommended if:
✔ Tumor is hormone-producing
✔ Tumor is larger than 4–6 cm
✔ Suspicion of malignancy
✔ Rapid tumor growth
✔ Symptomatic mass
Surgical Treatment – Adrenalectomy
1️⃣ Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy (Preferred Method)
✔ Minimally invasive
✔ Small incisions
✔ Less pain
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Short hospital stay
2️⃣ Open Surgery
✔ Required for large or invasive tumors
✔ Suspected cancer
Preoperative Preparation
Especially important in pheochromocytoma:
✔ Blood pressure stabilization
✔ Alpha-blocker medications
✔ Electrolyte correction
✔ Hormonal control
Proper preparation prevents surgical complications.
Recovery After Adrenal Surgery
✔ Hospital stay: 2–5 days (laparoscopic)
✔ Pain management
✔ Hormone monitoring
✔ Temporary steroid replacement (if needed)
✔ Gradual return to routine activities
Most patients recover quickly after minimally invasive surgery.
Possible Complications If Untreated
❌ Severe uncontrolled hypertension
❌ Stroke
❌ Heart attack
❌ Hormonal imbalance
❌ Cancer progression
❌ Metastasis
Early detection ensures better outcomes.
When Should You Consult a Specialist?
✔ Incidentally detected adrenal mass
✔ Uncontrolled high blood pressure
✔ Symptoms of hormonal imbalance
✔ Recurrent severe headaches with palpitations
✔ Suspicious findings on CT scan
Expert evaluation prevents serious complications.
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Expertise in advanced endocrine surgery
✔ Skilled laparoscopic adrenalectomy
✔ Multidisciplinary hormonal evaluation
✔ Comprehensive perioperative care
✔ Evidence-based treatment approach
Patients in Thane receive precise diagnosis and safe, advanced adrenal surgery.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
