Overview

Adrenal tumours are abnormal growths that develop in the adrenal glands, two small organs located above each kidney. These glands produce important hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone.

Adrenal tumours may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), and some may produce excess hormones, leading to specific symptoms.

At I D Cancer Center, we provide expert evaluation, advanced imaging, hormonal assessment, and precision treatment to manage all types of adrenal tumours.

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Types of Adrenal Tumours

1. Benign Tumours

• Adrenal adenoma (most common)

• Myelolipoma

• Pheochromocytoma (hormone-producing tumour)

2. Malignant Tumours

• Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)

• Neuroblastoma (in children)

• Metastatic tumours (spread from other organs)

3. Functional Tumours (Hormone-Producing)

• Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol)

• Conn’s syndrome (excess aldosterone)

• Pheochromocytoma (excess adrenaline)

4. Non-functional Tumours

• Do not produce hormones

• Often found incidentally on scans

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Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on whether the tumour produces hormones or presses on surrounding organs.

Hormone-Related Symptoms

Excess Cortisol (Cushing’s):

• Weight gain

• Round face, central obesity

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Easy bruising

Excess Aldosterone (Conn’s):

• High BP difficult to control

• Low potassium

• Muscle cramps / weakness

Excess Adrenaline (Pheochromocytoma):

• Severe headaches

• Palpitations

• Sweating attacks

• Anxiety

• Rapid heartbeat

Non-Hormonal Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Back pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Incidentally found on CT/MRI

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Risk Factors

• Genetic conditions (MEN2, Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni)

• Family history of adrenal tumours

• Smoking

• Previous radiation exposure

• Certain hereditary syndromes

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Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

Accurate diagnosis requires both hormonal testing and detailed imaging.

1. Hormonal Evaluation

• Blood and urine hormone levels

• Cortisol, aldosterone, renin

• Catecholamines, metanephrines

2. Imaging

• CT scan / MRI of abdomen

• PET-CT (for suspected cancer)

• MIBG scan (for pheochromocytoma)

3. Additional Assessment

• Adrenal vein sampling (in selected cases)

• Biopsy (only when safe and necessary)

Each case is discussed in our Multidisciplinary Tumour Board to plan precise treatment.

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Treatment Options

1. Surgery (Primary Treatment)

Most adrenal tumours—especially functioning ones—are treated with surgery.

Types include:

• Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

• Open adrenalectomy (for large / cancerous tumours)

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2. Radiation Therapy

For adrenal cancers, metastases, or post-operative settings.

At I D Cancer Center, we use high-precision techniques:

• IMRT / IGRT / VMAT

• SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy) for small adrenal lesions
  Benefits:
  ✔ High accuracy
  ✔ Organ sparing
  ✔ Excellent local control

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3. Chemotherapy

Used in:

• Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)

• Metastatic disease

• Tumours unresponsive to surgery or radiotherapy

Mitotane may be used for ACC.

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4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Recommended for selected adrenal cancers, especially advanced stages.

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5. Supportive Care

• Blood pressure control for pheochromocytoma

• Hormonal replacement

• Management of metabolic imbalances

• Nutritional & psychological support

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Prognosis

Prognosis depends on tumour type, size, hormonal activity, and stage.

With early diagnosis and advanced care:

• Most benign tumours have an excellent outcome

• Functioning tumours improve once treated

• Cancerous tumours benefit from multimodal treatment

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Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

• Expert radiation oncologist – Dr. Sunil Kumar

• Precision radiotherapy for adrenal cancers

• Comprehensive hormonal and imaging evaluation

• Multidisciplinary tumour board planning

• Personalized, compassionate approach

• Modern facilities and evidence-based protocols