Benign Adrenal Tumors

Definition: Benign adrenal tumors are the noncancerous masses which are observed in the adrenal glands. There are two adrenal glands, each one located on top of each kidney.

Symptoms: Fat deposits behind the neck and shoulders, Weight gain, often around the chest and stomach, Purple stretch marks on the stomach, High blood pressure, Weakness.

Disease status: From November 1993 to June 2003, we performed 105 adrenalectomies on 97 patients (29 males and 68 females). The lesions resected were preoperatively considered non-secreting in 47 cases (45%) and hormonally active in 58 cases (55%). In 78 patients (80%), LA was performed and 84 adrenal glands were resected. In 19 patients (20%), OA was considered the best modality of resection and 21 adrenal glands were resected.

Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Surgical removal of an adrenal gland, or adrenalectomy, is most commonly performed for a tumor located within the adrenal gland that is overproducing hormones.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Some patients may not be able to have their tumors treated surgically because of the way it is growing or if it is cancerous and has spread to other parts of the body. In these cases, the patient should work with their endocrinologist to determine the best course of treatment.