Adrenal tumors can be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancerous). Even benign adrenal tumors can be dangerous or cause uncomfortable symptoms.
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system, which releases hormones into the blood system. Hormones are important in many body processes, including metabolism, sexual development and puberty, and stress.
There are two adrenal glands, one on the top of each kidney. They are shaped like triangles, and each is about ½ inch high and 3 inches long.
Each gland has two parts. The medulla is the inner part of the adrenal gland. It makes hormones called catecholamines, which include adrenaline and noradrenaline. These “stress hormones” increase alertness, strength and speed in an emergency. They also affect heart rate, blood pressure and sweating.
The outer part of the adrenal gland is called the cortex. It makes hormones that impact blood pressure, metabolism and how the body uses fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
Malignant Adrenal Tumors
Adrenocortical cancer: These tumors originate in the cortex of the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical cancer is rare, affecting only about 300 to 500 people each year in the United States. There are two main types of adrenocortical cancer:
- Functioning tumors are the most common type and account for about 70% of adrenal cancers. These tumors make hormones, such as cortisol, androgens or aldosterone.
- Non-functioning tumors do not produce hormones.
Malignant adrenal pheochromocytoma: This cancer begins in the medulla. It is extremely rare, with only about 800 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.
Malignant paragangliomas: These tumors may begin inside or outside the adrenal gland.
Benign Adrenal Tumors
Adenomas: A type of non-cancerous tumor.
Benign pheochromocytomas
Benign paragangliomas
Cushing’s Syndrome: In patients with Cushing's syndrome, the adrenal gland produces an excess of cortisol, a hormone that plays a part in regulating blood pressure, heart function and the body’s reaction to stress. Cushing’s syndrome is rare. About two to four new cases per 1 million people are diagnosed in this country each year.
Overproduction of cortisol may be caused by:
- A benign tumor on the adrenal gland called an adenoma
- An abnormality of the pituitary gland, usually a tumor (also called Cushing’s disease)
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone)
- Benign or malignant tumors in other areas of the body that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (ectopic ACTH syndrome)
Hyperaldosteronism: This condition is caused by a small tumor in the adrenal gland that makes too much aldosterone or an enlargement (hyperplasia) of the adrenal glands. A high level of aldosterone plays a part in the body’s salt and potassium balance, and may cause high blood pressure. In fact, it is believed that 10% of people with high blood pressure have hyperaldosteronism.
Adrenal Tumor Risk Factors
Certain inherited disorders can increase your risk of having an adrenal disease. These include:
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL)
- Neurofibromatosis type 1, also known as von Recklinghausen’s disease
- Paraganglioma syndrome, a condition where tumors form in structures called paraganglia
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a type of overgrowth syndrome
Not everyone with these syndromes develops an adrenal tumor. However, if you or anyone in your family has one of these syndromes, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. We offer the most advanced genetic testing to let you know your risk of developing adrenal gland tumors.
Learn more about adrenal tumors:
Why choose MD Anderson for your adrenal tumor treatment?
MD Anderson’s Endocrine Center has one of the nation’s few programs dedicated to providing personalized care for benign and malignant adrenal tumors, a group of complex and diverse disorders.
Our renowned experts diagnose and treat hundreds of patients with adrenal tumors each year, giving us a remarkable level of experience and expertise that translates into exemplary adrenal tumor treatment. Your personal team of specialists, which may include endocrinologists, surgeons, nuclear medicine physicians, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, meets regularly and communicates closely. They work together – and with you – to be sure you receive the best care.
Advanced Adrenal Tumor Diagnosis and Research
Accurate diagnosis of adrenal tumors is often challenging, and it requires a high degree of skill and experience. MD Anderson’s laboratories provide a range of specialized approaches, including radiographic scanning, adreno-venous sampling and biochemical testing, to diagnose and determine the extent of disease. And, since many adrenal tumors are inherited, we offer comprehensive genetic testing and counseling.
Your adrenal tumor treatment includes the most advanced methods with the least impact on the body, including targeted therapies and nuclear medicine approaches. If surgery is necessary, our surgeons are often able to perform less-invasive procedures.
Because some adrenal tumors are rare, clinical trials can be difficult to find. As one of the nation’s premier programs, we offer research studies of innovative treatments that may be your best option for certain adrenal gland tumors, such as adrenal cancer, malignant pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
