Adrenal tumours are an extremely rare growth, affecting roughly 5% of the Singaporean population. The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands that are located on top of the kidneys. Its primary function is to produce hormones to help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, the immune system, and response to stress.
Although adrenal tumours can either be benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous), approximately 95% of all adrenal growths are benign. There are 2 types of benign adrenal tumours, which are:
The main telltale sign that adrenal growths carry the risk of becoming malignant is the size:
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:
Are you curious about adrenal tumours? Then speak with Dr. Ronnie Mathew to learn more about these rare, yet highly treatable growths.
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:
Although adrenal tumours are rare, there are certain groups of people that are more susceptible to developing the growth, including:
If you have been showing possible symptoms for adrenal tumours, and have the risk factors, then do contact us to have them examined.
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:
Dr. Ronnie Mathew is an award-winning, highly experienced, and skilled doctor with a keen interest in colorectal, and gastrointestinal-related diseases. Additionally, he strives to offer his patients minimally invasive services without compromising on the quality, or accuracy of the diagnosis. In fact, he is one of 6 colorectal surgeons to be formally accredited to take up Robotic Colorectal Surgery by the European Association of Robotic Colorectal Surgery.
With his extensive experience, and expertise, Dr. Ronnie often treats adrenal tumours through the following treatment options:
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
A laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions—measuring between 0.5, and 1 centimetre—on the abdomen. Once the incisions are made, Dr. Ronnie will insert specialised surgical tools through the scope to access the adrenal gland. He will then proceed to remove adrenal tumours, which typically last between 2, and 3 hours.
Robotic Adrenal Surgery
Robotic adrenal surgery is a minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery to remove, and dissect the tumour-infested adrenal gland. Although this sophisticated treatment option offers precision, it is extremely costly, and has a longer operative time compared to laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy emits high-energy X-ray beams to kill the cancer cells. However, radiation therapy is typically not a standalone treatment. Dr. Ronnie will usually have radiation therapy as a follow-up treatment following surgical treatments to decrease the possibility of adrenal cancer reoccurring. Additionally, radiation therapy can also help treat areas where the cancer has metastasised to lower the symptoms.
If you suspect that you may have an adrenal tumour, then it is time to schedule an appointment to have your adrenal glands checked. Rest assured that you are under expert care when you entrust Dr. Ronnie with your adrenal health.
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: