Introduction
The adrenal glands are small but powerful organs that sit above each kidney. They produce essential hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone that regulate blood pressure, stress response, and metabolism.
When an abnormal growth develops in these glands, it is known as an adrenal tumour. While many adrenal tumours are benign and discovered incidentally during scans, some can cause serious hormonal disturbances or even be cancerous.
Types of Adrenal Tumours
Benign (Non-Cancerous) Tumours
Adenomas – Most common, often non-functional.
May still cause symptoms if they produce excess hormones.
Functional Tumours (Hormone-Producing)
Pheochromocytoma – Produces excess adrenaline, causing severe hypertension.
Aldosteronoma – Leads to high blood pressure and low potassium.
Cushing’s Syndrome Tumour – Produces excess cortisol, causing weight gain, diabetes, and mood changes.
Malignant (Cancerous) Tumours
Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) – Rare but aggressive.
Symptoms of Adrenal Tumours
High Blood Pressure – Resistant to medicines.
Unexplained Weight Gain – Especially around abdomen and face.
Excessive Sweating & Palpitations – From adrenaline surges.
Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
Headaches, Anxiety, or Panic Attacks
Hormonal Imbalance Signs – Irregular periods, excessive hair growth, mood swings.
(Some tumours remain silent until detected on imaging for unrelated issues.)
Diagnosis of Adrenal Tumours
Hormonal Blood Tests – Measure cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline levels.
Urine Tests – Detect excess hormone excretion.
Imaging (CT Scan / MRI) – Identify size and location of tumour.
PET Scan – Used in suspected cancers.
Treatment Options for Adrenal Tumours
Observation
Small, non-functional, benign tumours can be monitored regularly.
Surgery (Adrenalectomy)
Laparoscopic / Robotic Adrenalectomy
✅ Minimally invasive
✅ Less pain & scarring
✅ Quicker recoveryOpen Surgery
Needed for very large or invasive tumours.
Medical Therapy
Used to stabilize hormones before or after surgery.
When Should You Consider Surgery?
Tumour size greater than 4–6 cm
Producing excess hormones
Suspicion of malignancy
Causing severe or worsening symptoms
Why Choose Robotic Adrenalectomy with Dr. Rahul Jena?
High precision in delicate areas
Lower complication rates
Faster recovery, minimal hospital stay
Advanced uro-oncology expertise in Bhubaneswar
FAQs on Adrenal Tumours
Q1. Are adrenal tumours always dangerous?
No, most are benign. However, functional or malignant tumours require prompt treatment.
Q2. How common is adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer is rare but aggressive; early diagnosis improves outcomes.
Q3. What is the recovery time after adrenalectomy?
With robotic surgery, most patients recover in 1–2 weeks, compared to 4–6 weeks with open surgery.