Types of Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal tumors originate in the adrenal glands, which are small organs located on top of the kidneys in the lower back.

The causes of adrenal tumors are not fully understood, although we know that some rare genetic conditions increase the risk. These include multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, von Hippel–Lindau syndrome, familial paraganglioma syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, Carney complex, and Li–Fraumeni syndrome.

Most adrenal gland tumors are benign, or noncancerous, but need to be treated if symptoms appear. There are several types of adrenal tumors that may require treatment.

Adrenal Cushing’s Syndrome

Tumors that develop in the outer part of the adrenal gland, or cortex, can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, in which too much of the adrenal hormone cortisol is produced. Symptoms include rapid weight gain—especially in the trunk and face, without weight gain in the arms and legs—growth of fat pads along the back, which are often referred to as a “buffalo hump,” and fat pads on the face, creating what’s known as a “moon face.”

Symptoms also include thinning skin that’s easily injured, purple stretch marks on the thighs and abdomen, increased hair growth on the face, moodiness or irritability, and muscle weakness.

People with Cushing’s syndrome may develop other conditions, such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

Aldosteronoma

An aldosteronoma is usually a noncancerous, or benign, tumor that occurs on the outer part of the adrenal gland. Tumors like this cause the gland to produce elevated levels of the hormone aldosterone. This can lead to a condition known as Conn’s syndrome, in which the body retains sodium and water, resulting in bloating and severe high blood pressure.

Conn’s syndrome can also lead to low levels of potassium, an essential element in the body. Left untreated, high blood pressure from Conn’s syndrome can put you at risk for stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure.

Pheochromocytoma

A pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that usually starts in the adrenal medulla—the inner section of the adrenal gland, which normally produces healthy levels of stress hormones. These types of tumors cause the adrenal medulla to produce elevated levels of stress hormones, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. This can lead to very high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and even death.

A small number of these tumors are malignant, or cancerous.

Sex Hormone–Producing Tumors

Although rare, some adrenal tumors secrete androgen and other hormones that control male sex characteristics. Symptoms of androgen-producing tumors in boys include the early onset of puberty. In girls and women, excess androgen production can lead to deepening of the voice, acne, and excessive hair growth.

These tumors are more likely to be malignant, meaning cancerous, than other adrenal tumors. Tumors that secrete both androgen and additional adrenal hormones are also more likely to be malignant. Malignant tumors may spread to other parts of the body, such as nearby abdominal organs or lymph nodes.

Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare condition in which malignant, or cancerous, cells form in the outer section of the adrenal gland called the cortex. This type of cancer tends to be aggressive, meaning it grows rapidly, and may spread to other parts of the body.

Fast-growing tumors sometimes cause the adrenal gland to produce elevated levels of aldosterone, cortisol, and adrenal sex hormones such as androgen. Symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma—such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes—can easily be attributed to or confused with many other medical problems. Pain in the abdomen, side, or back may be one of the first symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma that prompts a visit to the doctor.

Metastasis to the Adrenal Gland

Some people with breast, lung, colorectal, or other cancers may experience a spread of the cancer, a process called metastasis, to the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Incidentaloma

Adrenal incidentaloma is the term given to adrenal tumors that are found incidentally on imaging tests ordered for other medical conditions. More than 90 percent of incidentally discovered adrenal tumors are benign, but they must all be investigated further. They may be any one of the types of adrenal tumors.