When an adrenal tumor, a growth that develops on one or both adrenal glands. Also known as adrenal mass, it can be harmless or life-threatening depending on whether it produces excess hormones. These glands sit on top of your kidneys and control vital functions like stress response, blood pressure, and metabolism. Not all adrenal tumors are cancerous, but even benign ones can cause big problems if they pump out too much cortisol, adrenaline, or aldosterone.
Some adrenal tumors, like pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that overproduces adrenaline and noradrenaline, trigger sudden spikes in blood pressure, pounding headaches, and sweating so intense it soaks through clothes. Others, such as those causing Cushing’s syndrome, a condition from too much cortisol, lead to weight gain around the midsection, stretch marks, muscle weakness, and mood swings. Then there are tumors that overproduce aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance, which can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels—often mistaken for simple hypertension.
Doctors don’t just guess. They use blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels, then confirm with CT or MRI scans. Sometimes, a special nuclear medicine scan called MIBG is needed to spot certain tumors. If the tumor is small, not producing hormones, and looks benign on imaging, many doctors just watch it. But if it’s large, growing, or making too much of a hormone, surgery is usually the answer. Removal is often done laparoscopically, meaning small cuts and faster recovery.
You might wonder why this matters if you’ve never heard of adrenal tumors. The truth is, they’re more common than you think—up to 5% of people have small, harmless ones found by accident during scans for other reasons. But if you’ve had unexplained high blood pressure, sudden panic attacks, unexplained weight changes, or extreme fatigue, it’s worth asking your doctor about adrenal causes. These tumors don’t always show up on routine tests, and symptoms can be mistaken for stress, menopause, or depression.
The posts below cover real-world situations tied to adrenal tumors—from how hormone imbalances affect daily life, to how medications interact with adrenal conditions, to how symptoms like sweating, chest pain, or breathing trouble can be linked back to these hidden growths. You’ll find practical advice on recognizing warning signs, understanding test results, and knowing when to push for further evaluation. This isn’t theoretical. These are the stories and science behind what happens when your adrenal glands go off-track—and what you can do about it.
Nov, 12 2025
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, often from a tumor. Surgery is the most effective treatment for endogenous cases, with high success rates when performed at specialized centers. Recovery takes months, but many regain their health.