Adrenal tumors: how common are they, who do they affect and what to do with it?

Introduction:
Adrenal tumors are often referred to as “rare”, but thanks to the development of modern medicine, we know that they appear more often than previously thought. In a number of cases, they are detected accidentally — for example, during a CT scan of the abdomen for another reason. Does every such finding mean a problem? When is it necessary to pay attention? And can we somehow prevent the formation of a tumor?

How common are adrenal tumors?

According to the data given by Prof. M.D. Karel Pacák, Ph.D., D.Sc., M.A.:

• Incidentalomas (that is, randomly found adrenal tumors) occur in approx. 3-10% of adult population, especially after 50 years of age.
• Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rarer — they occur roughly in 2-8 people per 1 million inhabitants per year.
• In children, adrenal tumors are less common, but they are more likely to have a genetic background or malignant behavior.

It is also interesting to note that up to 20% Pheochromocytoma is discovered until after death -- because they have not manifested themselves before or have not been properly diagnosed.

Risk factors that can not be ignored

Some adrenal tumors arise spontaneously, others are linked to genetic mutations, environment or lifestyle. These include:

• Genetic burden — occurrence of diseases in the family, known genetic syndromes (see previous article).
• Age — the incidence of tumors increases with age, especially in so-called incidentalomas.
• Chronic stress and increased hormone production — theoretically can affect hormonally active foci.
• Exposure to carcinogens — for example, some chemicals in the work environment.
• Other oncological diseases — metastases to the adrenal glands affect up to 20% oncological patients.

Can we prevent the formation of a tumor?

In some types of tumors, unfortunately there is no direct preventionbecause they arise randomly or are genetically determined. Nevertheless, there are ways to reduce the risk or to catch the tumor in time:

• Do not underestimate the symptoms: recurrent headaches, palpitations, sweating, unexplained hypertension — all this can be a symptom of pheochromocytoma.
• Check your family history: the occurrence of cancer diseases can be a reason for preventive genetic testing.
• Go for regular check-ups: especially if you have other oncological diseases.
• Healthy lifestyle: although it does not affect genetics, it helps the overall resilience of the organism and the function of the immune system.

When to look for a specialist?

Finding a deposit in the adrenal gland should not be a reason for panic, but nor to be overlooked. Not all tumors are malignant, not all require surgery. The key is accurate diagnosis and correct interpretation of the finding. Specialized centers such as that led by Prof. Pacac provides a comprehensive examination, including:

• biochemical diagnostics of hormonal activity,
• Genetic testing,
• imaging methods (CT, MR, PET),
• interdisciplinary evaluation (endocrinologist, oncologist, radiologist...).

“Incidentalomas of the adrenal glands are not exceptional. The key is the ability to correctly distinguish which are harmless, and which require intervention. And this can not be done without the cooperation of specialists. “

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