ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Adrenal adenomas

What is Adrenal adenomas?

17:55 - 5 December , 2023

Disease

These are normally benign and asymptomatic tumors of the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys and whose main function is the production of hormones that help regulate blood pressure and cope with stress, as well as develop sexual organs and control puberty processes. They appear at any stage of life, being more common in young children and adults between 40 and 50 years old.

Clinical studies suggest that benign adrenal adenomas can be caused by a problem in another gland or when a disease or infection affects one or both adrenal glands. However, it may also be due to macronodular hyperplasia in which the adrenal glands dilate and produce greater amounts of cortisol.

Generally, adrenal adenomas do not cause problems or symptoms, but in some cases, the high presence of certain hormones can cause complications.

The most common hormones that can be secreted in excess are:

  • Aldosterone.
  • Cortisol.
  • Adrenalin.

Signs and symptoms Adrenal adenomas

Benign:

  • Dyspnoea.
  • Abdominal cramps.
  • Dehydration.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weight loss.

Cancerous:

  • Overweight.
  • Fat accumulation in the shoulders and neck.
  • Bone fragility.
  • High glucose level.
  • High Blood Pressure.
  • Potassium deficiency.
  • Appearance of facial hair in women.

Diagnosis and treatment Adrenal adenomas

Benign adrenal adenomas are usually detected accidentally when performing tests for other conditions, so your doctor, in addition to analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, will request the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Blood and urine tests.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Measurements of adrenal hormone concentrations.
  • Dexamethasone and cortisol suppression tests.
  • MRI.
  • Computed tomography.
  • Positron emission tomography.
  • Tissue biopsy.

Adrenal adenomas smaller than 2 cm are not usually treated, but they should be monitored every six months to observe their development through periodic electrolyte measurements.

If significant cortisol secretion is detected, you may require surgery to remove the adenomas and avoid complications, or you will be given medications to control hormone levels.

In the ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department, we provide you with health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions, both chronic-degenerative and acute, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments

Internal Medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • endocrine.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Rojas BL, Morales MJG, Moreno PM, et al. Abordaje laparoscópico de adenoma suprarrenal de grandes dimensiones, productor de cortisol y aldosterona en forma concomitante. Rev Mex Urol. 2005;65(3):197-201.
  • Martínez COC. Actualización en el diagnóstico por imágenes de los tumores adrenales. Rev Cuba Endoc. 2014;25(3):163-173.
  • Solares-Sánchez ME, Camarena-Reynoso H, Martínez-Cervera PF, et al. Linfoma adrenal bilateral. Rev Mex Urol. 2011;71(6):352-355.
  • Bolívar-Rodríguez MA, Cázarez-Aguilar MA, Magaña-Zavala PA, et al. Cirugía laparoscópica en incidentaloma suprarrenal para el cirujano general: serie de casos. Rev Mex Cir Endoscop. 2021;22(1):8-13.

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