Adrenal Tumors

The adrenal glands are two glandular organs located just above the kidneys, responsible for the release of some vital hormones.

Masses (adrenal tumors) detected incidentally in the adrenal gland are common and their frequency increases especially with aging. These masses are generally benign, do not require any surgical treatment, and do not cause excessive hormone production.

What are the symptoms?

If it is a mass that causes hormone release, it causes problems such as high blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, weight gain, increased hair growth, increased fat on the face and abdomen, headache, irritability, acne and sexual dysfunctions, depending on the hormone released.

If the mass is too large, compression findings (constipation, abdominal pain, etc.) and palpable mass in the abdomen may cause complaints (cough, bone pain, jaundice, confusion, etc.) if the distal organ has metastasised.

How is the Diagnosis Made?

The routine clinical approach is to distinguish benign / malignant with radiological examinations and to reveal whether there is excessive homone secretion associated with the mass with hormone tests. Adrenal tumors can be differentiated to be benign/malignant with an accuracy rate of 90% thanks to computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance (MR) tests./p>

When Is Surgery Recommended?

It is recommended in suspicious masses, when findings related to excessive hormone production are detected, if the size of the mass is larger than 4 cm or grows more than 10 mm in annual follow-up. If the tumour is functional, that is, it produces hormones, drug therapy should first be given in coordination with the Endocrinology Specialist, and the surgery should be planned after everything is under control.

Generally, masses (adrenal tumors) smaller than 4 cm, benign and not causing excessive hormone release are followed without surgery. It is usually sufficient to examine the size of the mass and suspicious hormone excess in the follow-ups performed with 6 months or 1 year intervals

If the decision of surgery is taken, the operation can be performed by laparoscopic, robotic or open methods. Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery is the gold standard in experienced hands and provides many advantages. It saves a large incision scar in terms of cosmetics and provides a comfortable and fast recovery process.

NOTE: The content of the page is for informational purposes only, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.