Adenoma

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(Redirected from Adrenal adenoma)


Adenoma
Tubular adenoma 2 intermed mag.jpg
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
Histopathology of adrenocortical adenoma
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‚Äì15% 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‚Äôs 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]

Colonic polyp

Common precursors to colorectal cancer; subtypes include:

Pituitary Adenomas[edit | edit source]

Arise in the pituitary gland; subtypes include:

Thyroid Adenomas[edit | edit source]

Thyroid adenoma

Often solitary nodules arising from follicular cells; subtypes include:

Adrenal Adenomas[edit | edit source]

Histopathology of adrenocortical adenoma
Histopathology of adrenocortical adenoma

Occur in adrenal cortex; may produce hormones (e.g., cortisol or aldosterone):

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]

Adenoma-carcinoma pathway

Adenomas develop due to genetic mutations, hormonal disturbances, and environmental factors:

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‚Äôs or Conn‚Äôs 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]

Cytopathology of pleomorphic adenoma

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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