Adrenal masses (adenomas) are benign tumors of the adrenal gland. Adrenal adenomas are the most common mass lesions of the adrenal gland and are often detected incidentally on imaging. Adrenal adenomas arise from the outer layer of the gland called the cortex. They are usually small; they rarely exceed 4 cm in size. The adrenal cortex is the part that produces steroid hormones. If the adrenal adenoma produces hormones, it is called a functional adenoma, and if there is no hormone production, it is called a non-functional adenoma. 85% of adrenal adenomas are dysfunctional. If a functional adrenal adenoma is not treated, this can have serious consequences. Although adrenal adenomas can be seen in all age groups, their frequency increases with age. The frequency of benign adrenal adenomas in the whole population is around 5%. Most adrenal adenomas are detected by chance on ultrasound or tomography of the abdomen in patients with symptoms unrelated to the adrenal glands. In 80% of these cases, there is no hormone production. Most adrenal adenomas are nonfunctional and therefore asymptomatic. The most common hormone excess is associated with cortisol overproduction. Adrenal adenomas may remain silent for years and are often found incidentally. If there is hormone production in the adrenal adenoma, it may cause different complaints depending on the hormone it secretes. These complaints can be in the form of weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, excess weight, and increased hair growth. The treatment of functional adrenal adenomas is the surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland (adrenalectomy). If possible, laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be preferred. Benign masses without hormone production should be followed up at 6-month-1-year intervals. When an adrenal adenoma is detected, the patient should be followed up by endocrinology specialists and evaluated for hormonal activity. . The prognosis of the disease in adrenal adenoma is generally good. Adrenal adenomas are the most common benign masses of the adrenal glands. Those who do not secrete hormones and are <4 cm in size and do not appear suspicious can be followed without surgery.
Assist.Prof.Dr.Fevzi BALKAN
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist
