Adrenal tumor

The exact causes of adrenal tumors are not yet fully understood, but there are certain factors that increase the risk of their development. Some adrenal tumors are genetically determined or occur in connection with other hormonal disorders. In many cases, however, they develop without a clearly identifiable cause.

- **Genetic factors**: Hereditary syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or von Hippel-Lindau disease can increase the risk of developing adrenal tumors.

- **Hormonal imbalances**: Tumors can develop in the adrenal glands when hormone production is disrupted, leading to excessive production of cortisol, aldosterone, or other hormones.

- **Sporadic development**: Many adrenal tumors arise without a recognizable reason and are often benign.

The symptoms of an adrenal tumor depend on whether the tumor is hormonally active and which hormones it produces. Hormonally inactive tumors may not cause any symptoms and are often discovered by chance. However, hormonally active tumors can cause a variety of symptoms:

- Weight gain, especially in the face and abdomen

- High blood pressure

- Muscle and bone weakness

- Excessive sweating

- Headaches

- Changes in blood sugar levels

- Rapid heart rate or palpitations

The diagnosis of an adrenal tumor is based on a combination of blood and urine tests to check hormone levels, as well as imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to determine the size and location of the tumor. In some cases, a fine needle biopsy is performed to clarify whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

The treatment of adrenal tumors depends on the type of tumor, its hormonal activity, and its size. In many cases, surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary, especially if it is malignant or hormonally active. Further treatments depend on hormone production and the stage of the tumor.

- **Surgical removal**: In most cases, the tumor is surgically removed, especially if it is hormonally active or has a malignant nature. This surgery is often performed laparoscopically.

- **Medications**: For hormonally active tumors, medications may be prescribed to regulate hormone production and alleviate symptoms.

- **Radiation therapy or chemotherapy**: For malignant tumors that cannot be completely removed surgically or have already spread, radiation or chemotherapy may be used.

- **Hormone therapy**: After the removal of the tumor, hormone therapy may be necessary to restore hormonal balance.

Since most adrenal tumors do not have clear causes, there are no specific preventive measures. However, people with a genetic predisposition to hormonal disorders should undergo regular examinations to detect possible tumors early. A healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups can help reduce the risk of complications.