Adrenal mass

Adrenal Mass

An adrenal mass is an abnormal growth that develops in the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones that regulate various functions in the body, including metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and stress response.

Etiology

Adrenal masses can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common types of benign adrenal masses are adenomas, which are small, non-functioning tumors. Malignant adrenal masses include adrenal cortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma, which are rare but can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Many adrenal masses are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. However, if the mass is large or produces excess hormones, it can cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and changes in body hair or skin condition.

Diagnosis

Adrenal masses are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions. If an adrenal mass is detected, further tests may be performed to determine its nature. These tests may include blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels, and imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Treatment

The treatment for an adrenal mass depends on its size, whether it is producing excess hormones, and whether it is benign or malignant. Treatment options may include observation, medication to block the effects of excess hormones, surgery to remove the mass, or radiation therapy or chemotherapy for malignant tumors.

See also

• Adrenal gland
• Adrenal adenoma
• Adrenal cortical carcinoma
• Pheochromocytoma

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