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:Adrenal tumors are relatively common; autopsy studies show that approximately 5% to 15% of the general adult population has adrenal masses. Further, incidental adrenal lesions larger than 1 cm are seen in about 4.4% of all computed tomography (CT) scans. Approximately 90% of these lesions are benign nonfunctioning adenomas.

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.