Adrenal Mass

An adrenal mass, also known as an adrenal tumor, is a growth that develops in the adrenal gland, which is a small gland located on top of the kidney. The adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate various bodily functions, such as blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and stress response.

Types of Adrenal Masses

There are several types of adrenal masses, including:

• Adenoma: A non-cancerous tumor that is the most common type of adrenal mass. Adenomas are usually small and do not produce excess hormones.
• Adrenal cortical carcinoma: A rare, cancerous tumor that can produce excess hormones and cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and fatigue.
• Pheochromocytoma: A rare, usually non-cancerous tumor that produces excess adrenaline, leading to symptoms such as high blood pressure, palpitations, and sweating.
• Myelolipoma: A rare, non-cancerous tumor composed of fat and blood cells.

Symptoms of Adrenal Masses

The symptoms of an adrenal mass depend on the type of tumor and whether it produces excess hormones. Some common symptoms include:

• High blood pressure
• Weight gain or loss
• Fatigue
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Sweating or flushing
• Headaches
• Back pain or abdominal pain

Diagnosis of Adrenal Masses

Adrenal masses are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans, performed for other reasons. If an adrenal mass is suspected, the following tests may be ordered:

• CT scan: To confirm the presence of a mass and determine its size and location.
• MRI scan: To provide more detailed images of the adrenal gland and surrounding tissues.
• Blood tests: To measure hormone levels, such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline.
• Urine tests: To measure hormone levels in the urine.
• Biopsy: To remove a sample of tissue from the adrenal gland for examination under a microscope.

Treatment of Adrenal Masses

The treatment of an adrenal mass depends on the type of tumor, its size, and whether it produces excess hormones. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: To remove the adrenal gland or tumor.
• Medications: To control hormone production or manage symptoms such as high blood pressure.
• Radiation therapy: To treat cancerous tumors that cannot be removed surgically.
• Chemotherapy: To treat cancerous tumors that have spread to other parts of the body.

Prognosis and Outlook

The prognosis and outlook for an adrenal mass depend on the type of tumor, its size, and whether it produces excess hormones. In general, non-cancerous tumors have a good prognosis, while cancerous tumors may require more aggressive treatment and have a poorer outlook.