Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, metabolism and the response to stress. Adrenal tumours may be hormone-producing (functioning) or non-functioning, and benign or malignant. Assessment combines hormone testing and imaging, and surgery, usually laparoscopic adrenalectomy, is planned together with endocrinologists.

Adrenal incidentaloma

What it is: An adrenal mass found by chance on a scan performed for another reason. Most are benign and hormonally inactive.

Symptoms: Usually none.

Treatment: Every incidentaloma needs hormone testing and imaging assessment. Surgery is recommended for hormone-producing tumours, large lesions or those with suspicious imaging features; others may be followed up.

Primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)

What it is: A condition in which one or both adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, a hormone that raises blood pressure.

Symptoms: High blood pressure that is often difficult to control, sometimes with low potassium, muscle weakness or fatigue.

Treatment: When the excess comes from one gland, confirmed by adrenal vein sampling, laparoscopic adrenalectomy can cure or markedly improve blood pressure. Disease of both glands is treated with medication.

Cushing’s syndrome

What it is: A condition caused by long-term exposure to excess cortisol, which may come from an adrenal tumour.

Symptoms: Weight gain around the trunk and face, thin skin and easy bruising, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, diabetes and mood changes.

Treatment: For an adrenal cause, laparoscopic adrenalectomy with careful perioperative steroid management, coordinated with endocrinology.

Phaeochromocytoma

What it is: A usually benign tumour of the adrenal medulla that releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, and may be linked to inherited syndromes.

Symptoms: Episodes of headache, sweating and palpitations, with high or fluctuating blood pressure.

Treatment: Surgical removal, usually laparoscopic, after careful preparation with medication to control blood pressure. Genetic testing is recommended.

Adrenocortical carcinoma

What it is: A rare, aggressive cancer of the outer layer of the adrenal gland, which may also produce hormones.

Symptoms: A large mass causing abdominal or back pain, or symptoms of hormone excess.

Treatment: Complete surgical removal, usually by open surgery, in a specialised centre, often followed by adjuvant treatment such as mitotane.

Adrenal metastases

What it is: Spread of cancer to the adrenal gland from another organ, most commonly the lung, kidney, colon or melanoma.

Symptoms: Usually found on staging or follow-up scans.

Treatment: In selected patients with limited disease, adrenalectomy, often laparoscopic, may be considered as part of overall cancer treatment.

How assessment is organized

Assessment includes blood and urine hormone tests and imaging with adrenal CT or MRI, and in some cases adrenal vein sampling or functional imaging. Surgery is planned together with endocrinologists to ensure safe preparation and recovery.

This information is general and does not replace individual medical assessment.