The adrenal glands are two small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, stress response, metabolism, salt balance, and certain sex hormones.
An adrenal tumor means an abnormal growth in one of these glands. These tumors may be:
Adrenal cancer, also called adrenocortical carcinoma, is rare but can be aggressive. Because of this, early specialist evaluation is very important. In some patients, surgery gives the best chance of disease control, especially when the cancer is limited to the adrenal gland or nearby tissues.
Some adrenal tumors may also be pheochromocytomas. These are tumors that can produce hormones causing high blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety-like episodes. Even when these are not cancerous, they need careful planning before surgery because hormone surges during surgery can be risky if not properly prepared.
This is why adrenal tumors should not be treated casually.
A diagnosis of an adrenal tumor or adrenal cancer can feel worrying, especially because many patients are not familiar with this organ or what treatment may involve. I understand how difficult this news can be for you and your family.
The adrenal glands are small glands located above the kidneys. Even though they are small, they play an important role in hormone production. Some adrenal tumors are harmless and non-cancerous, while others may produce excess hormones or may be cancerous.
I am Dr. Suraj Manjunath, a Surgical Oncologist in Bangalore, associated with Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road and Apollo Hospital, Sarjapur Road.
As an Adrenal Tumors / Cancer Surgeon in Bangalore, I focus on three important questions during evaluation:
We will walk through this together. The right treatment depends on the size of the tumor, scan findings, hormone activity, overall health, and whether there is any spread of disease.
This page will help you understand everything about Adrenal Tumors / cancer.
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Many adrenal tumors are found accidentally during ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET-CT done for another health issue. These patients may not have any symptoms.
However, some adrenal tumors can cause symptoms because they produce excess hormones or because they grow large enough to press on nearby structures.
Common symptoms may include:
In adrenal cancer, symptoms may be related to hormone excess, tumor size, abdominal discomfort, or spread of disease.
It is important to remember that symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms may look like common medical problems such as hypertension, anxiety, diabetes, or weight gain. That is why proper evaluation is necessary before deciding treatment.
Before planning Adrenal Tumors / Cancer Surgery in Bangalore, we need to clearly understand the tumor.
The diagnosis usually involves a combination of imaging, hormone testing, staging, and fitness assessment.
CT Scan or MRI: A CT scan or MRI helps us understand the size, shape, location, and nature of the adrenal tumor. Certain scan features may suggest whether the tumor is benign or suspicious.
Hormone Tests: Blood and urine tests may be needed to check whether the tumor is producing excess hormones. This is very important because hormone-producing tumors need special preparation before surgery.
PET-CT Scan: In selected cases, a PET-CT scan may be advised to assess whether the tumor is active or whether there is spread to other parts of the body.
Biopsy: Biopsy is not always done for adrenal tumors. In fact, for some adrenal tumors such as pheochromocytoma, biopsy can be dangerous if hormone activity has not been ruled out. Biopsy may be considered only in selected situations after careful evaluation.
Staging: If adrenal cancer is suspected, staging helps determine whether the disease is limited to the adrenal gland or has spread. This is essential for planning surgery and additional treatment.
Pre-Surgery Fitness Assessment: Before surgery, we assess heart, lung, kidney function, blood pressure control, diabetes, and overall fitness. If the tumor is hormone-producing, the patient may need medicines for days or weeks before surgery to make the operation safer.
My role is to put all this information together and explain the treatment plan clearly to you and your family.
The main surgery for adrenal tumors is called adrenalectomy. This means removal of the adrenal gland containing the tumor. There are different ways adrenal surgery may be performed.
Minimally Invasive Adrenalectomy
For selected benign, smaller, or well-contained adrenal tumors, surgery may be possible using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. These approaches use smaller cuts and may support faster recovery in suitable patients.
Open Adrenalectomy
For large adrenal tumors, suspected adrenal cancer, or tumors involving nearby organs or major blood vessels, open surgery may be safer. In cancer surgery, safety and complete tumor removal are more important than the size of the incision.
Radical Adrenalectomy for Cancer
If adrenal cancer is suspected, the surgery may require removal of the adrenal gland along with surrounding fatty tissue and any involved nearby structures. The aim is to avoid rupture of the tumor and remove the cancer completely.
Surgery with Nearby Organ Resection
In advanced cases, adrenal cancer may be close to or involving nearby organs such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen, diaphragm, or major blood vessels. If safe and necessary, surgery may include removal of involved tissue to achieve complete cancer clearance.
Lymph Node Assessment
In selected cancer cases, nearby lymph nodes may be assessed or removed if they appear involved or if oncological clearance requires it.
Unlike some other organs, adrenal gland preservation is not usually the goal when the tumor is suspicious or cancerous. Since the body has another adrenal gland on the opposite side, many patients can function well after removal of one adrenal gland. However, hormone assessment and follow-up remain important.
Patients often ask whether robotic surgery or laparoscopic surgery is possible for adrenal tumors. The answer depends on the size, nature, and behavior of the tumor.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery may be suitable for selected adrenal tumors where minimally invasive removal is safe. It offers enhanced precision, 3D vision, and better instrument movement in deep areas of the body. For carefully selected cases, robotic adrenal surgery may support faster recovery and smaller incisions.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is also commonly used for suitable adrenal tumors, especially benign or smaller tumors. It is performed through small cuts using a camera and instruments.
Open Surgery
Open surgery may be necessary when adrenal cancer is suspected, the tumor is large, there is risk of rupture, or nearby organs or blood vessels are involved. In adrenal cancer, open surgery is often preferred when it offers better cancer clearance and safety.
My approach is simple: the method should serve the patient, not the other way around.
You may also explore more about Robotic Cancer Surgery, Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery, Open Cancer Surgery, and Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery on the website.
Before surgery, we review all reports carefully. This may include CT scan, MRI, PET-CT, blood tests, hormone tests, cardiac evaluation, anesthesia fitness, and other investigations depending on your condition.
If the tumor is hormone-producing, you may need medicines before surgery. This is especially important in tumors that affect blood pressure or stress hormones. Surgery is planned only after adequate preparation.
Before admission, we explain:
After surgery, the removed tumor is sent for pathology. The final pathology report gives important details such as tumor type, size, margins, grade, and cancer features if present. This report helps decide whether any further treatment is needed.
Hospital stay depends on the type of surgery and complexity of the case. Minimally invasive surgery may allow faster recovery in selected patients. Open surgery or complex cancer surgery may require a longer stay and closer monitoring.
Recovery usually involves pain control, gradual walking, diet progression, wound care, breathing exercises, and follow-up visits. Some patients may need hormone monitoring after surgery.
During follow-up, we discuss the final pathology report, recovery progress, further treatment if required, and surveillance plan. You can also read more about Recovery After Cancer Surgery on the website.
It is natural for patients and families to ask about the Cost of Adrenal Tumors / Cancer Surgery in Bangalore. I understand that financial planning is an important part of treatment planning.
However, it would not be right to give one fixed cost without reviewing the case. Adrenal tumor surgery can vary significantly from patient to patient.
The cost may depend on:
A small benign adrenal tumor removed laparoscopically may have a different cost compared to a large adrenal cancer requiring open radical surgery. Similarly, a hormone-producing tumor may need additional preparation and monitoring.
During consultation, once I review your reports and examine the case details, the hospital team can provide a clearer estimate based on the planned treatment.
I currently consult at:
This center provide access to comprehensive cancer care within a well-equipped hospital environment, supporting multidisciplinary treatment, investigations, and post-operative care when required.
Consultation timings and appointment details can be arranged through phone or WhatsApp for convenience.
