Adrenal Tumors: When to Seek Urology or Surgical Care

Q: Adrenal Tumors: When to Seek Urology or Surgical Care

Hello： To confirm, you should visit a urology department at a medical center, as some conditions may be benign. <br>If it is malignant or related to metabolic issues, the physician will evaluate and provide recommendations. <br>Wishing you good health.

Adrenal gland issues

Recently, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain and have noticed several purple marks on my abdomen and thighs that resemble bruises.
They are not painful to the touch.
After a consultation with a surgeon, I underwent a CT scan of the abdomen, which showed no issues except for an adrenal adenoma.
The doctor did not mention whether treatment is necessary.
If I want to further investigate the adrenal adenoma, should I consult a urologist or continue with the surgeon, or is it acceptable to leave it untreated?

Fengyu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/15

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: To confirm, you should visit a urology department at a medical center, as some conditions may be benign.
If it is malignant or related to metabolic issues, the physician will evaluate and provide recommendations.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/07/15

More Info

When it comes to adrenal tumors, particularly adrenal adenomas, understanding the nature of the tumor and the appropriate steps for management is crucial. Adrenal tumors can be benign or malignant, and their management often depends on various factors, including the size of the tumor, the presence of symptoms, and hormonal activity.

In your case, it seems that you have been diagnosed with an adrenal adenoma, which is a benign tumor of the adrenal gland. These tumors are often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons, such as your abdominal CT scan. While many adrenal adenomas are non-functional and do not produce hormones, some can secrete hormones that may lead to various clinical symptoms, such as Cushing's syndrome or hyperaldosteronism.

Given your symptoms of abdominal pain and the presence of bruising-like marks on your thighs, it is essential to consider whether these symptoms could be related to hormonal imbalances caused by the adrenal tumor. For instance, if the adenoma is producing excess cortisol, it could lead to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and changes in skin appearance. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Regarding your question about whether to seek further evaluation from a urologist or continue with your surgical care provider, it is generally a good idea to consult with a specialist who has experience in managing adrenal tumors. An endocrinologist may also be involved in the evaluation, especially if there is a concern about hormonal activity. They can perform specific tests to determine if the tumor is functional and assess the need for treatment.

If the adrenal adenoma is confirmed to be non-functional and small (typically less than 4 cm), many guidelines suggest a conservative approach with regular monitoring through imaging studies. However, if the tumor is larger or shows signs of hormonal activity, surgical intervention may be warranted.
In summary, while your current healthcare provider has indicated that there is no immediate concern, it is essential to remain vigilant about your symptoms and seek further evaluation if they persist or worsen. Consulting with a urologist or an endocrinologist can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your adrenal tumor and help determine the best course of action. Regular follow-up and monitoring are key components in managing adrenal tumors effectively.

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