Is adrenal hyperplasia a tumor?

Generally, adrenal hyperplasia is not a tumor. It refers to the enlargement of the adrenal gland caused by abnormal proliferation of adrenal cortical or medullary cells. This condition belongs to functional changes of the adrenal gland and differs from tumors in that it involves abnormal cell proliferation rather than abnormal cell differentiation. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

In most cases, adrenal hyperplasia is a benign lesion, such as cortisol excess syndrome or primary aldosteronism, which result from adrenal cortical cell hyperplasia leading to excessive hormone secretion. Patients may exhibit symptoms including hypertension, hypokalemia, and central obesity. However, the morphology and structure of the hyperplastic cells remain normal, and no space-occupying mass is formed.

Although adrenal hyperplasia is not a tumor, it needs to be differentiated from adrenal tumors. When hyperplasia leads to significant enlargement of the adrenal gland or imaging examinations reveal localized nodular changes, it can be easily confused with adrenal adenoma. Moreover, a rare few cases of adrenal hyperplasia may be associated with genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia. In such cases, one should be vigilant for possible abnormalities in other endocrine glands.

Upon detection of adrenal hyperplasia, timely visit to an endocrinology department is advised. Complete hormone level testing and imaging examinations should be performed, and standard treatment should be followed as directed by a physician. Immediate medical attention is required if serious symptoms such as sudden elevation in blood pressure or hypokalemia occur.