ANDRENAL TUMOUR TREATMENT (Adrenalectomy) -

Empowering Recovery, Defeating Adrenal Gland Tumors.

Adrenal tumors: Know the signs.

Adrenal gland tumors are lumps or masses that appear in the adrenal glands, which are positioned on top of the kidneys. Depending on the situation, these tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). The treatment for adrenal tumors depends on several factors, such as the type of adrenal tumor, whether it is functional or non-functional, and if it is benign or malignant.

Types of Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal Adenomas: This type of tumor is an adenoma and is obnoxious, meaning that it will usually not secrete any excess hormones. However, a few will secrete hormones leading to Cushing syndrome or Conn’s syndrome, respectively.

Adrenocortical Carcinomas: a sporadic form of cancer that is malignant and sometimes secreting hormones and also can metastasize to other body tissues.

Pheochromocytomas: tumors found in the adrenal medulla that cause secretion of excessive catecholamines, leading to symptoms like hypertension.

Metastatic Tumors: Tumors found in adrenal glands as a result of migration from some other tissue sites in the body.

Treatment Options for Adrenal Tumors:

Surgery (Adrenalectomy)

Indications: In most cases, surgery is the primary treatment option for adrenal tumors, mainly if they are significantly symptomatic and if there is endocrine abnormality secondary to adrenal tumors.

Types of Surgery

01 Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

It is a form of surgery that is usually favored when the tumor is a benign one, which involves making a few cuts and using some instruments to help excise the cancer.

02 Open Adrenalectomy

There are no restrictions on the invasiveness of this surgical procedure, which may be necessary for handling more extensive malignant or benign tumors.

03 Bilateral Adrenalectomy:

In the rare cases when both adrenal glands are affected, both may need to be removed. This procedure will require life-long hormone replacement therapy.

Medications

Hormone-Suppressing Drugs

If the tumor has some hyperfunction, treating hormone secretion pre-operatively or in cases when surgery is not an option may use some drugs.

Chemotherapy

In malignant forms of adrenal tumors, especially in adrenocortical carcinoma, chemotherapy may be indicated to kill off the cancer cells. For example, mitotane is a drug used to treat adrenal cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Less frequently, the use of modern targeted drugs aimed at destroying specific “weak points” of cancer cells is allowed.

Radiation Therapy

This treatment is used less frequently, but it can also be used in the management of malignant adrenal tumors when surgery cannot be performed or where there is a risk of recurrence post-surgery.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

It is a procedure that destroys small tumors by means of heat and is carried out with minimal invasion. It is possible to offer this option to patients who otherwise are not surgical candidates.
Observation:
All the evidence regarding a small, non-functional, and peripheral adrenal tumor is pain; it may be reasonable even to adopt a “wait and watch” strategy based on routine follow-up. This includes frequent examinations with imaging techniques to prevent animals from growing or becoming active.

Post-Treatment Considerations

Supportive Care

Some impairment in personal functioning may warrant psychological support and counseling, especially if it is due to treatment therapy or if the tumor is malignant.

Recovery may also include nutritional and physical rehabilitation therapy.

Early diagnosis and personalized medicine are essential for the effective management of adrenal tumors, however, there is a need for regular follow-up for the overall health and well-being.