Cracking the Code: How to Tell if an Adrenal Tumor Could Be Cancer

The adrenal glands—small but powerful—sit atop the kidneys and regulate vital hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, and androgens. Sometimes, abnormal growths called adrenal tumors develop in these glands. The challenge? Most are benign (noncancerous), while a few are malignant (cancerous). Distinguishing between the two is critical for your health.

In this article, we’ll explore how adrenal tumors arise, what signs suggest malignancy, how diagnoses are made, and what treatment options are available—with a focus on adrenal cancer treatment in Chandigarh and Mohali. Whether you’re seeking a reliable adrenal cancer doctor in Chandigarh or looking into options local to Mohali, you’ll find the information here useful.

Types of Adrenal Tumors: Benign vs Malignant

Adrenal tumors fall broadly into two groups:

1. Adrenal Adenomas (Benign)

• Nonfunctioning adenomas are silent—they don’t produce extra hormones and often go unnoticed.

• Functioning adenomas do secrete hormones, potentially causing conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol), Conn’s syndrome (too much aldosterone), or sex hormone excess.

2. Adrenocortical Carcinomas (Adrenal Cancer)

• Functioning adrenal cancers produce hormones and often manifest with noticeable symptoms.

• Nonfunctioning adrenal cancers may present as a growing mass before hormone-related symptoms arise.

Signs that hint toward malignancy include: size greater than 4 cm, rapid growth over time, irregular borders on imaging, and invasion into nearby tissues.

How Hormone Secretion Makes a Difference

Whether benign or malignant, adrenal tumors can alter your body’s chemistry:

1. Cushing’s syndrome: Weight gain (especially midsection), high blood pressure, muscle weakness, mood swings, and diabetes.

2. Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome): Elevated blood pressure, low potassium, fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches.

3. Sex hormone imbalances: In women, extra androgens can cause facial hair growth, voice deepening, or irregular periods; in men, excess estrogen may lead to breast enlargement or libido changes.

4. Excess catecholamines (pheochromocytoma-like): Episodes of sweating, palpitations, headache, and elevated blood pressure.

If you experience any of these unexplained symptoms, an evaluation by a specialist is warranted.

Diagnosing an Adrenal Tumor: What to Expect

1. Hormonal Workup

Doctors order blood and urine tests to check cortisol, aldosterone, renin ratio, and sex or catecholamine hormones to determine if the tumor is active.

2. Imaging

High-resolution CT or MRI scans evaluate tumor size, density, shape, and behavior. Features such as heterogeneity, necrosis, infiltration, or rapid growth are red flags.

3. Growth Monitoring

Small, silent tumors under 4 cm are often watched over time with periodic imaging and hormonal tests.

4. Specialized Testing

In select cases, adrenal vein sampling or nuclear scans (e.g. PET) help localize hormone production or detect metastasis.

5. Surgical Examination

When suspicion is high, surgical removal (adrenalectomy) provides tissue for definitive pathological diagnosis.

Treatment for Adrenal Gland Tumor: From Benign to Cancer

Conservative Approach

For small, nonfunctioning adenomas:

1. Regular monitoring with imaging and hormone tests

2. Intervention only if growth or hormone production develops

Surgical Removal

When tumors are large, symptomatic, or suspicious:

1. Laparoscopic or robotic adrenalectomy is preferred when feasible for faster recovery and minimal invasiveness.

2. Open adrenalectomy is chosen for large or invasive tumors.

Because Dr Aggarwal has performed more than 800 robotic Urology cancer surgeries, his skill in minimally invasive techniques offers patients comfort, precision, and quicker recovery.

Cancer-Specific Care

For adrenal cancer:

1. Adjuvant therapy (e.g. mitotane, chemotherapy) may follow surgery

2. Radiation in selected cases

3. Lifelong surveillance for recurrence

Why Choose Local Expertise in Chandigarh & Mohali

For those seeking adrenal cancer treatment in Chandigarh or Mohali, working with a local expert means:

1. Faster diagnosis and less travel burden

2. Multidisciplinary care tailored to regional patients

3. Access to adrenal cancer doctor in Chandigarh and Mohali offering advanced surgical and medical therapies

4. Continuity of care, from diagnosis through follow-up, without long-distance logistics

Dr Dharmender Aggarwal combines oncologic insight with robotic urology proficiency, providing patients in the region a rare blend of experience and compassion.

FAQs: Understanding Adrenal Tumors & Cancer

1. Can a benign adrenal adenoma become malignant?
   In most cases, no. Most adenomas remain harmless. But when a tumor grows rapidly or shows suspicious features, removal is recommended.
2. How large is too large?
   Generally, tumors exceeding 4 cm are more likely to be malignant and are often considered for surgical removal.
3. Will hormone levels normalize after surgery?
   Often yes, especially if the tumor was hormone-secreting. Some patients may need ongoing hormone or blood pressure support.
4. Do all adrenal cancers need chemotherapy?
   Not always—treatment depends on stage, spread, and pathology findings. Some early cancers may be managed primarily with surgery.
5. How frequently should I follow up after surgery?
   Close follow-up is essential—usually every 3 to 6 months initially with imaging and hormonal tests.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you or a loved one has an adrenal mass, unexplained hormone symptoms, or suspicion of adrenal cancer, don’t wait.

📞 Residents in Chandigarh & Mohali—book your consultation now with Dr Dharmender Aggarwal, expert adrenal cancer doctor in Chandigarh & Mohali, and get personalized, state-of-the-art treatment for adrenal gland tumor close to home.

Early evaluation leads to better clarity—and better chances of success. Make that call today.