Adrenal tumors form a diverse group of diseases — some are benign and without hormonal activity, others produce excess hormones or have a risk of spreading to the surrounding area. That is why each treatment plan is carefully considered and assessed by a multidisciplinary team of experts.

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The main treatment options

Surgical removal of the tumor

Surgery is the most common and often the most effective way to treat adrenal tumors. The operation is performed either by a classical laparoscopic approach or using a robotically assisted technique that increases the accuracy and gentleness of the procedure.

As a rule, the tumor is removed even if it is small, but produces hormones (eg pheochromocytoma).
In the case of benign, hormonally inactive findings, follow-up may be recommended (see below).
If the patient has two adrenal glands and both need to be removed, it is possible to maintain hormonal balance with the help of replacement therapy.

Before the operation Correct preparation is key — especially for hormone-active tumours (e.g. administration of pressure-adjusting drugs in pheochromocytoma). We provide this preparation at our workplace, including hospitalization if necessary.

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Drug treatment

In some cases, there is a need to administer medication before, after or instead of surgery:

Corticoids — when the adrenal gland is removed or in certain disorders of its function.
Alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers — in patients with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma to stabilize blood pressure before surgery.
Inhibitors of steroidogenesis — e.g. in Cushing's syndrome.
Mineralocorticoid blockers — e.g. spironolactone in primary hyperaldosteronism syndrome.

All drugs are selected individually according to the type of tumor, hormonal activity and other factors.

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Oncological treatment

If the tumor is malignant, it cannot be completely removed or metastatic disease is present, oncological treatment begins. The latter may include:

Targeted chemotherapy (e.g. CVD scheme, temozolomide).
Radionuclide therapy — e.g. ¹³¹I-MIBG or ¹LU-dotate for certain types of tumors.
Immunotherapy — so far mainly in clinical trials, especially in rarer malignancies.
Local radiotherapy — in specific cases, e.g. in recurrent tumours or compression of surrounding structures.

Treatment recommendations are always decided by our multidisciplinary team, often in collaboration with oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists and other experts.

What if immediate treatment is not necessary?

Some adrenal tumors (e.g., small, hormonally inactive incidentalomas) do not require immediate treatment, but only regular follow-up. In that case:

we monitor tumor size using imaging methods (e.g. CT/MR),
repeat hormone tests at intervals according to risk,
We decide individually about a possible change of procedure.

Thus, the patient is under professional supervision, and the tumor can be dealt with in time if its changes occur.

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Care after treatment (Follow-up)

After treatment, especially after surgery or oncology therapy, the patient remains under regular monitoring:

hormonal levels (e.g. cortisol, aldosterone, metanephrine) are controlled,
if any signs of the disease returning (relapse) are monitored,
adjust medication if necessary (e.g. hormone replacement),
regular imaging examinations are performed according to the risk of the tumor.

We always plan this follow-up individually — in accordance with the type of tumor, the results of treatment and the general condition of the patient.

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Multidisciplinary approach

Treatment of adrenal tumors is a team effort. In our center, endocrinologists, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, specialists in nuclear medicine, pathology and genetics cooperate. Each patient is regularly discussed at a multidisciplinary consultation to make the procedure design as accurate and gentle as possible.

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What to expect after diagnosis

Evaluation of the results: The doctor will go through the outputs of the diagnosis with you and explain their meaning.
Treatment suggestion: We will propose the optimal solution — surgery, medication or follow-up — and answer any questions.
Preoperative preparation/treatment: According to the type of tumor, we plan the necessary steps.
The course of treatment: We explain how the procedure will take place, what to expect, how to prepare.
Follow-up and post-treatment care: You are not left alone - we will schedule further checks and provide the necessary support.

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Need to know more?

Do you have specific questions about treatment? Use our [online consultation ➜] or make an appointment for a personal consultation with one of our doctors.

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Find out how the diagnosis itself goes

If you are just being considered or have been sent for examination, see the detailed description of the diagnostic procedure.

treatment