Adrenal Neoplasm

Causes of adrenal neoplasm

Doctors don’t always know what causes these tumors. Some grow for no clear reason, while others happen because of changes in the body or genes.

• Problems in the adrenal gland cells
• Changes in your DNA
• Other health conditions that affect hormone levels

Risk factors for adrenal neoplasm

Some people are more likely to get adrenal neoplasms. Risk factors include:

• Being older
• Having certain inherited gene conditions
• A family history of adrenal tumors
• High blood pressure that doesn’t go away

Symptoms of adrenal neoplasm

Some tumors don’t cause any symptoms. Others can affect hormones and cause changes in the body.

• High blood pressure
• Gaining weight quickly
• Weak muscles
• Headaches or sweating
• Feeling nervous or shaky

Diagnosing adrenal neoplasm

Doctors use different tests to find out if there’s a tumor on the adrenal gland.

• Blood and urine tests to check hormone levels
• CT scan or MRI to look at the glands
• PET scan to see if the tumor is active
• Biopsy (sometimes) to test the tumor

Treatment of adrenal neoplasm

The type of treatment depends on the size and kind of tumor. Common treatments include:

• Surgery to take out the tumor
• Medicines to help with hormone levels
• Radiation or chemotherapy if the tumor is cancerous

When to seek care

Call your doctor if you notice:

• Fast weight gain
• High blood pressure that won’t go down
• Muscle weakness or shaking
• Any strange changes in your body