Adenoma
(Redirected from Adrenal adenoma)
Adenoma | |
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Synonyms | |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, may cause hormonal imbalance if functional |
Complications | Potential progression to adenocarcinoma |
Onset | Varies depending on type and location |
Duration | Indeterminate, may remain stable or progress |
Types | Tubular adenoma, villous adenoma, tubulovillous adenoma |
Causes | Genetic mutations, environmental factors |
Risks | Age, family history, diet, smoking |
Diagnosis | Biopsy, endoscopy, imaging studies |
Differential diagnosis | Hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma, polyp |
Prevention | Regular screening, healthy diet, avoiding smoking |
Treatment | Surgical removal, endoscopic resection |
Medication | None specific, may use hormonal therapy if functional |
Prognosis | Generally good if benign, risk of malignancy varies |
Frequency | Common, varies by type and location |
Deaths | Rare, unless progresses to malignancy |
Benign glandular tumors with potential malignant transformation
Adenoma | |
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Synonyms | Adenomatous tumor |
Pronounce | |
Field | Oncology, Pathology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology |
Symptoms | Often asymptomatic; may cause hormonal imbalance, obstruction, pain |
Complications | Malignant transformation, bleeding, organ dysfunction |
Onset | Variable; often detected in adults |
Duration | Chronic (often lifelong surveillance required) |
Types | Colorectal, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, hepatic, renal, sebaceous |
Causes | Genetic mutations, hormonal imbalance, environmental factors |
Risks | Age, genetics, obesity, hormonal therapy, radiation exposure |
Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, imaging, laboratory tests, biopsy |
Differential diagnosis | Hyperplastic polyps, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors |
Prevention | Lifestyle modifications, genetic screening |
Treatment | Surveillance, endoscopic removal, surgical excision, medical therapy |
Medication | Hormone suppressants, antithyroid medications, dopamine agonists |
Prognosis | Generally good; dependent on type, size, and malignant risk |
Frequency | Common (colorectal adenomas); other types vary |
Deaths | Rare, usually due to malignant transformation or complications |
Adenoma is a type of benign tumor originating from glandular epithelial cells. Although adenomas themselves are benign, some possess the potential to progress into malignant tumors (adenocarcinoma). They commonly affect various glandular organs, including the colon, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, liver, and kidney. Understanding their characteristics, potential complications, and management strategies is vital for early detection and treatment.
Definition and Characteristics[edit | edit source]
An adenoma arises from glandular epithelial tissue, forming a well-defined, localized mass. Despite their benign nature, adenomas can cause complications by:
- Compressing nearby structures (mass effect)
- Producing excess hormones (functional adenomas)
- Potentially transforming into malignant adenocarcinoma (notably colorectal adenomas)
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
The frequency and clinical significance of adenomas vary by organ:
- Colorectal adenomas: Common in adults >50 years; precursors to colorectal cancer.
- Pituitary adenomas: Account for 10–15% of intracranial tumors.
- Thyroid adenomas: Frequent in women; detected as thyroid nodules.
- Hepatic adenomas: Rare; linked to oral contraceptive use.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Adenomas can significantly impact health due to:
- Hormonal imbalance: Functional adenomas can cause endocrine disorders (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism).
- Obstruction: Large adenomas in the colon may cause bowel obstruction.
- Malignant potential: Particularly colorectal adenomas that can transform into colorectal cancer.
- Early identification and management are essential to reduce morbidity.
Types of Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Adenomas vary by anatomical location and behavior:
Colorectal Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Common precursors to colorectal cancer; subtypes include:
Pituitary Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Arise in the pituitary gland; subtypes include:
- Prolactinoma
- Growth hormone-secreting adenoma
- ACTH-secreting adenoma
- Non-functioning adenomas
Thyroid Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Often solitary nodules arising from follicular cells; subtypes include:
Adrenal Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Occur in adrenal cortex; may produce hormones (e.g., cortisol or aldosterone):
- Functioning adenomas (Cushing’s syndrome, Conn’s syndrome)
Hepatic Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Benign liver tumors associated with oral contraceptive use; risk of hemorrhage or malignant transformation.
Renal Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Small benign kidney tumors; usually incidental findings.
Sebaceous Adenomas[edit | edit source]
Associated with sebaceous glands; linked to Muir-Torre syndrome.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
Adenomas develop due to genetic mutations, hormonal disturbances, and environmental factors:
- Genetic conditions (e.g., Familial adenomatous polyposis, Multiple endocrine neoplasia)
- Hormonal imbalances (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal adenomas)
- Diet and obesity (colorectal adenomas)
- Oral contraceptives (hepatic adenomas)
- Radiation exposure (thyroid adenomas)
Symptoms and Complications[edit | edit source]
Symptoms depend on adenoma location and hormone secretion:
- Colorectal adenomas: Rectal bleeding, bowel habit changes
- Pituitary adenomas: Vision changes, hormonal imbalance
- Thyroid adenomas: Hyperthyroidism, neck lump
- Adrenal adenomas: Cushing’s or Conn’s syndrome
- Hepatic adenomas: Abdominal pain, risk of bleeding
- Renal adenomas: Usually asymptomatic
Complications include malignant transformation, organ obstruction, hormonal disturbances, and bleeding.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis involves:
- Clinical evaluation: History, physical exam
- Imaging: Colonoscopy, ultrasound, MRI, CT
- Laboratory tests: Hormone levels, tumor markers
- Histopathology: Biopsy confirms diagnosis
Treatment and Management[edit | edit source]
Treatment varies by adenoma type and risk factors:
- Observation: Small, asymptomatic adenomas
- Endoscopic removal: Colorectal polyps
- Surgical excision: Large or high-risk adenomas
- Medical therapy: Hormone-suppressing medications for pituitary and adrenal adenomas
Long-term monitoring is often required due to recurrence risk.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Prognosis depends on adenoma type and malignant potential:
- Generally favorable with early detection and treatment
- High-risk adenomas require ongoing surveillance to prevent cancer progression
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive strategies include lifestyle modifications, regular screenings (colonoscopy), genetic counseling, and hormonal regulation.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
See also[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
American Cancer Society – Adenomas Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD