From the Guidelines
Adrenal tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms, including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, headaches, excessive sweating, and abdominal pain, depending on the type of hormone produced or the size of the tumor. The symptoms of an adrenal tumor can vary greatly depending on whether the tumor is functional or non-functional. Functional tumors, such as pheochromocytomas, can produce excess catecholamines, leading to episodic symptoms like severe headaches, palpitations, and profuse sweating 1. On the other hand, non-functional tumors may only cause symptoms due to their size, such as abdominal pain or pressure effects.
Some common symptoms of adrenal tumors include:
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Muscle weakness
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
If the tumor produces excess cortisol (Cushing's syndrome), patients may develop additional symptoms, such as:
- Rounded face
- Fat deposits between the shoulders
- Purple stretch marks
- Easy bruising
Tumors producing excess aldosterone (Conn's syndrome) typically cause:
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent urination
It's essential to note that many adrenal tumors are non-functioning and discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions. Diagnosis typically involves blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels, followed by imaging studies. Treatment depends on the tumor type, size, and hormone production, ranging from surgical removal to medication that blocks excess hormone effects 1.
In cases of pheochromocytoma, preoperative preparation with alpha-blockers, such as phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin, is crucial to control blood pressure and prevent adrenergic crises 1. Additionally, identifying a single tumor mandates surgical excision after adequate pharmacological preparation to prevent fatal events.
Overall, the management of adrenal tumors requires a comprehensive approach, taking into account the type of tumor, hormone production, and individual patient factors to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life.
From the Research
Symptoms of Adrenal Tumors
The symptoms of adrenal tumors can vary depending on the type of tumor and its location. Some common symptoms include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Headaches 2, 3, 4, 5
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Sweating 2, 3, 4, 5
- Abdominal pain or distension 4, 5
- Nervousness or anxiety 4
- Excessive perspiration 4
- Diabetes 4
- Cushing syndrome 4
- Unexplained weight gain or loss 4
- Weakness 4
- Abdominal stretch marks 4
- Excessive hair growth 4
- Changes in genitalia 4
- Change in libido 4
Functional vs Non-Functional Tumors
Adrenal tumors can be functional or non-functional. Functional tumors produce hormones, which can cause a range of symptoms, including those listed above 4. Non-functional tumors, on the other hand, may not produce hormones, but can still cause symptoms due to their size and location, such as abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness 4.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of adrenal tumors typically involves a combination of blood and urine tests, imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans, and sometimes biopsy 2, 3, 4, 6. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the tumor, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy 4, 6.