From the Guidelines
Adrenal adenomas are not considered cancerous, as they are benign tumors that develop in the adrenal glands. They are typically non-functioning, meaning they don't produce excess hormones, and are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons. Some adenomas, however, can be functioning and produce excess hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, or sex hormones, which may cause symptoms, as noted in the study by 1. While these tumors are benign, they should still be monitored by healthcare providers, typically with periodic imaging, to distinguish them from cancerous adrenal tumors (adrenocortical carcinomas), which are rare but aggressive and require different treatment approaches, as discussed in the guideline by 1. The size of the tumor is an important variable in predicting malignancy, with larger lesions being more likely to be malignant, as found in the study by 1. However, the most recent guideline by 1 recommends a multidisciplinary review and specific imaging protocols to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. Adrenal adenomas generally don't require treatment unless they're causing hormonal issues or are particularly large, in which case medication to control hormone levels or surgical removal might be recommended, as suggested by the guideline by 1. Key points to consider in the management of adrenal adenomas include:
- Screening for autonomous cortisol secretion and primary aldosteronism
- Use of non-contrast CT and chemical-shift MRI for imaging
- Adrenalectomy for patients with unilateral cortisol-secreting or aldosterone-secreting adrenal masses
- Minimally-invasive surgery for eligible patients, as recommended by 1. Overall, the management of adrenal adenomas should be individualized and based on the latest clinical guidelines, as outlined in the study by 1.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Adrenal Adenomas
- Adrenal adenomas are tumors that occur on the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys 2.
- These tumors are typically benign, meaning they are non-cancerous 3.
- Adrenal adenomas can cause an overproduction of certain hormones, such as aldosterone or cortisol, which can lead to various health problems [(3,4)].
Cancerous Nature of Adrenal Adenomas
- There is no evidence to suggest that adrenal adenomas are cancerous [(2,3,4,5)].
- Adrenal adenomas are typically characterized as benign tumors, and they do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body 3.
- However, it is possible for adrenal adenomas to cause harm by producing excessive amounts of hormones, which can lead to conditions such as primary aldosteronism or Cushing's syndrome [(3,4)].
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Adenomas
- Adrenal adenomas are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans 3.
- Diagnosis of adrenal adenomas typically involves a combination of imaging tests, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures [(3,4)].
- Treatment of adrenal adenomas usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, which can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications 4.