Adrenal Tumours

Adrenal Tumours

What causes adrenal tumours?

As with most tumour-related cases, the exact causes of adrenal tumours remain unknown. However, some studies have indicated that specific DNA changes, triggered by certain genetic conditions, are more prone to the development of adrenal tumors. These genetic conditions that can stimulate the development of adrenal tumours include:

  • Carney complex.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1), and type 2 (MEN2).
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1.

Are you curious about adrenal tumours? Then speak with Dr. Ronnie Mathew to learn more about these rare, yet highly treatable growths.

What are the symptoms of adrenal tumours?

Benign adrenal tumours typically do not cause any symptoms. However, malignant adrenal tumours, and benign functioning adrenal tumours do produce excess hormone-related symptoms, such as:

  • Diabetes, or spiked blood sugar levels.
  • Fatigues, and aches.
  • Headaches.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Irregular menstrual cycles (for women).
  • Low potassium levels.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Mood changes.
  • Numbness.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Sexual dysfunction (for men).
  • Stretch marks on the abdomen (not pregnancy related).
  • Tremors.
  • Unexplained weight gain in the upper body.
  • Virilisation (for women).

How is at risk of adrenal tumours in Singapore?

Although adrenal tumours are rare, there are certain groups of people that are more susceptible to developing the growth, including:

  • Age: adrenal tumours are more common among adults in their 30s to their 50s.
  • Gender: both men, and women are at risk of developing adrenal tumours; however, it is more common among women than men.
  • Family history: the risk of developing adrenal tumours is increased if you have a family history of adrenal tumours.
  • Genetic condition: certain genetic conditions make you predisposed to adrenal tumours, such as carney complex, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN).
  • Obesity: if you are considered obese, then you are more likely to develop adrenal tumours in your lifetime.
  • Prior surgery: if you previously underwent surgery to remove adrenal tumours, then the risk of recurrence is increased.
  • Smoking: smokers are more likely to develop adrenal tumours compared to non-smokers.

If you have been showing possible symptoms for adrenal tumours, and have the risk factors, then do contact us to have them examined.

adrenal tumour.
Rapid heartbeat is one of the common symptoms of adrenal tumour as the medulla of the adrenal gland produces excess adrenaline hormone.

How are adrenal tumours diagnosed in Singapore?

The key to treating an adrenal tumour is when it is discovered, as the earlier it is detected, the better the treatment outcome will be. At CRCS, Dr. Ronnie Mathew typically diagnoses adrenal tumours by assessing your medical history, and symptoms. Afterwards, he may proceed with the following diagnostic procedures:

  • Blood, and urine tests: Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Ronnie may have a blood, or urine test done to check for elevated hormone levels. Additionally, you may be required to collect your urine for 24 hours to assess the cortisol level.
  • Imaging test: Ronnie may recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be done to help him determine the size of the tumours. This will give him an idea whether the tumour is benign, or malignant.
adrenal tumor singapore.
Blood, and urine tests are done to determine elevated hormone levels, which can indicate adrenal tumour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, adrenal tumours can cause pain in the abdomen, or lower back. In fact, it is one of the most common symptoms of adrenal tumours. If you have been experiencing persistent abdominal, or lower back pain, accompanied by other symptoms, then do book an appointment with us to have your symptoms examined.

Adrenal tumours generally grow slowly. However, several studies have found that the average growth rate is between 0.3, and 2.8 mm annually. On the other hand, malignant tumours grow between 5.8, and 395.4 mm annually.

Benign adrenal tumours do not produce symptoms, and, as such, require no treatments, or removal. However, it is still best to speak with our doctors to determine the necessity of removing them.

Yes, chronic stress can trigger the release of endocrine hormones, and stimulate the development of tumours.

As with all cancer cases, the survival rate will depend heavily on when the tumour is found. But generally, the average 5-year survival rate as per stages is as follows:

  • Stage 1, and 2: 65%.
  • Stage 3: 44%.
  • Stage 4: 7%.

Location

Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, SG 228510

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