How is an adrenal adenoma treated?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling unwell and experiencing recurring pain in the kidney area. Later, after a hospital examination, I was diagnosed with adrenal adenoma. I had never heard of this condition before and would like to ask: what is the best way to treat adrenal adenoma?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The treatment approach for adrenal adenomas depends on the tumor type, size, whether it produces hormones, and the patient's symptoms. The main treatment options are as follows:
1. **Watchful waiting**: For small, non-functioning adenomas (those that do not produce excess hormones), especially those less than 4 cm in diameter and not causing symptoms, doctors may opt for regular follow-up and monitoring with imaging studies to observe for any changes in the tumor.
2. **Surgical treatment**: Surgery is generally recommended if the adenoma causes excessive hormone secretion, such as in Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or pheochromocytoma (excess catecholamines), or if the tumor is large and causing compressive symptoms. The procedure may involve laparoscopic surgery or percutaneous ablation of the adrenal tumor, depending on the specific circumstances.
3. **Medical therapy**: For certain types of hormone-secreting adenomas, such as pheochromocytoma, alpha-blockers and beta-blockers may be used to control symptoms, or medications may be used to inhibit hormone secretion.
