The adrenal glands are two small organs located above the kidneys. Adrenal glands are known as endocrine glands because they produce hormones. These hormones play a role in controlling blood pressure, chemical levels in the blood, water use in the body, glucose use, and the stress coping reaction during times of stress. These adrenal hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline hormones - epinephrine and norepinephrine - and a small portion of the body's sex hormones (estrogen and androgens).
Adrenal gland diseases are relatively rare. Patients with adrenal gland problems may have a variety of symptoms related to the gland's abnormal overproduction of hormones. Adrenal tumors associated with excess hormone production include pheochromocytomas, aldosterone-producing tumors, and cortisol-producing tumors.
Surgical removal of adrenal gland tumors is only necessary if:
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The tumor is found to produce excessive hormones
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If it is large in size (more than 5 centimeters in diameter)
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If there is a suspicion that the tumor may be malignant.
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Adrenal gland cancers (adrenal cortical cancer) are rare tumors that are usually very large at diagnosis.
Treatment of Adrenal Gland Tumors
Adrenal gland masses and kidney tumors that show cancerous characteristics or secrete excessive hormones are recommended by leading international medical associations. When there is spread (metastasis) from other cancers to the gland, the recommended treatment is to remove the mass with surgery. Although the surgical technique is determined according to the size of the mass and patient characteristics, it can be performed by open or laparoscopic method. The American Society of Gastroenterology and Endocrine Surgeons (SAGES) recommends adrenal gland surgery with minimally invasive methods, except for some special cases.
Success rates for the treatment of adrenal gland disease are quite high after both laparoscopic and open surgery. Postoperative recovery and possible problems that patients may experience vary depending on the surgical technique, patient characteristics, and the primary disease of the adrenal gland. Follow-up of the patient and the examination of the surgically removed adrenal gland It is determined by the doctor according to the results of the tological evaluation.
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