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Adrenal Tumors
Director:
Dr Julien Hadoux
Contact
Tel.: +33 (0)1 42 11 42 42 or 42 57
or 63 61 or 50 25
Understanding Adrenal Tumors
The adrenal glands are two small glands located above the kidneys. They produce hormones that play a role in regulating blood pressure, metabolism, and the stress response, among other things. An adrenal tumor can be benign or malignant, and may or may not secrete hormones.
Adrenocortical carcinoma, or adrenal cortical carcinoma, is a rare cancer that develops from the cortex, the outer layer of the gland. It may secrete cortisol, androgens, or other hormones, but it may also be detected because of its size or incidentally on an imaging test.
A pheochromocytoma develops in the adrenal medulla, the central part of the gland. It can produce catecholamines, hormones that can cause spikes in blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, or headaches.
Paragangliomas develop from related cells located outside the adrenal gland, in various parts of the body. Their hormonal function, location, and risk of progression vary depending on the individual case and genetic predispositions.
Essential multidisciplinary expertise
Rare adrenal tumors should be evaluated at a specialized center. Hormone testing, imaging, surgery, and cancer treatments are coordinated by a specialized team.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on hormonal secretion and the size of the tumor. Some lesions are discovered incidentally. Others cause symptoms related to hormonal excess or compression of neighboring organs.
- Unusual weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, or diabetes, which may suggest excess cortisol;
- signs of virilization or hormonal abnormalities;
- headaches, palpitations, sweating, and blood pressure spikes, which may suggest a pheochromocytoma;
- abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a large mass.
The Diagnosis
Blood and urine tests are performed to check for excessive production of adrenal hormones. The specific tests are selected based on the tumor’s appearance and the patient’s symptoms.
CT and MRI scans are used to characterize the mass, its relationship to surrounding organs, and its extent. Functional nuclear medicine imaging may be used to supplement the evaluation, depending on the suspected type of tumor.
Analysis of the surgical specimen determines the nature of the tumor. An oncogenetic consultation is recommended when warranted by the clinical situation, age, medical history, or tumor type. For pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, the possibility of a hereditary predisposition is routinely evaluated.
Treatments
Surgery is the primary treatment for localized, resectable tumors. It requires appropriate preparation when a tumor secretes hormones. For advanced forms of the disease, several strategies are available: drug therapy, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, surgery for certain lesions, or interventional radiology techniques.
A decision made during a staff meeting
Each case is discussed during a multidisciplinary team meeting to tailor treatment to the type of tumor, hormonal secretion, the extent of the disease, and the patient’s condition.
Research and Clinical Trials
Gustave Roussy participates in clinical research on rare endocrine cancers. Depending on the disease and any treatments already received, patients may be offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial to evaluate new drugs, drug combinations, or precision medicine strategies.
Join a clinical trial
Many clinical trials are open to patients with cancer. Participating in a clinical trial provides access to innovative treatments while contributing to the development of new therapies.
Gustave Roussy's Expertise
Gustave Roussy participates in the ENDOCAN-COMETE national network dedicated to adrenal cancers. Patient care combines endocrinology, oncology, surgery, nuclear medicine, radiology, pathology, genetics, and radiation therapy.
Contact
Director:
Dr Julien Hadoux
Contacts
+33 (0)1 42 11 42 42, 42 57, 63 61 ou 50 25
Appointments and Second Opinions
