What is a suprarenal tumor?
A pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the adrenal gland. It causes the gland to make too much of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. This tumor often occurs when you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. It happens to both men and women. Experts don’t know what causes these tumors.
Can an adrenal tumor be treated with medication?
Removing an adrenal tumor can help restore normal hormone levels to the body, but NYU Langone doctors may need to prescribe medication before, during, or after an operation to reduce dangerous side effects of elevated hormone levels, such as high blood pressure.
Are adrenal tumors curable?
When adrenal cancer is found early, there is a chance for cure. But if the cancer has spread to areas beyond the adrenal glands, cure becomes less likely. Treatment can be used to delay progression or recurrence. Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are noncancerous (benign).
What doctor treats adrenal tumors?
An endocrinologist: a doctor who treats diseases in glands that secrete hormones.
How fast does pheochromocytoma grow?
Most people develop a pheochromocytoma in 1 adrenal gland. Some people develop a tumor in both glands. There can also be multiple tumors in a gland. Pheochromocytomas usually grow slowly.
What happens if pheochromocytoma is not treated?
If you have a pheochromocytoma, the tumor releases hormones that may cause high blood pressure, headache, sweating and symptoms of a panic attack. If a pheochromocytoma isn’t treated, severe or life-threatening damage to other body systems can result.
What is treatment for adrenal tumor?
The first treatment for adrenal cortex tumors is surgery. For a while after the operation, you may need to take cortisol-replacement medication, such as hydrocortisone or prednisone, while we wait for your adrenal gland to begin producing normal levels of the hormone again.
How do you reduce adrenal gland tumors?
For a larger tumor or one that may be cancerous, surgery with an incision in the back may be preferred. In some cases, the entire adrenal gland may need to be removed. Hormone therapy may be required prior to or after other options, such as surgery, have been done.
How long can you live with adrenal tumors?
5-year relative survival rates for adrenal cancer
| SEER stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | 74% |
| Regional | 56% |
| Distant | 37% |
| All SEER stages combined | 50% |
Is adrenalectomy major surgery?
An adrenalectomy is traditionally performed laparoscopically as a minimally invasive procedure through the abdomen, or as an open procedure where a laparoscopic approach not feasible.
How do you know if you have an adrenal tumor?
Symptoms of adrenal tumors depend on which type of tumor you have and where it is located. Common symptoms include a rise in blood pressure, unexplained weight gain or weakness, dramatically increased thirst or urination, or other symptoms.