Adrenal Tumor: What It Is and Why It Matters

When you hear the word “tumor,” you might picture a scary lump. An adrenal tumor is a growth that forms on one of the tiny glands perched on top of your kidneys. These glands, called adrenals, make hormones that control stress, blood pressure, and metabolism. Most adrenal tumors are harmless, but some can cause serious health problems, so knowing the basics helps you spot issues early.

Types of Adrenal Tumors

There are three main kinds of adrenal tumors you’ll hear about:

• Adrenal adenoma – a benign (non‑cancerous) lump that often doesn’t cause symptoms. It’s usually found by accident during a scan for something else.
• Pheochromocytoma – a rare tumor that makes excess adrenaline. It can cause sudden spikes in blood pressure, pounding heartbeats, and panic‑like episodes.
• Adrenocortical carcinoma – a malignant (cancerous) tumor that spreads quickly. It may produce excess hormones, leading to weight loss, muscle weakness, or skin changes.

Each type behaves differently, so treatment plans vary widely.

How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Them

First step is usually an imaging test. A CT scan or MRI shows the size and shape of the adrenal gland. If the tumor looks suspicious, doctors will order blood and urine tests to check hormone levels. High catecholamines point to pheochromocytoma, while abnormal cortisol or aldosterone suggests an endocrine‑active tumor.

Treatment depends on the type:

• Benign adenomas often just need monitoring. If they start making hormones or grow larger, surgery may be recommended.
• Pheochromocytoma requires surgical removal, but patients must take blood‑pressure meds before the operation to avoid dangerous spikes.
• Adrenocortical carcinoma typically involves surgery plus chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Because it can spread fast, early detection is crucial.

After surgery, follow‑up scans and hormone tests are standard to make sure the tumor doesn’t come back.

If you notice signs like unexplained high blood pressure, rapid weight loss, persistent fatigue, or strange hair growth, talk to your doctor. These symptoms can be a clue that an adrenal tumor is affecting hormone production.

Living with an adrenal tumor often means regular check‑ups and sometimes lifelong hormone replacement. The good news is that many people with benign adenomas lead normal lives, and even malignant cases have better outcomes when caught early.

Bottom line: adrenal tumors range from harmless bumps to aggressive cancers. Knowing the signs, getting the right tests, and following a clear treatment plan can keep you in control of your health.