Adrenal
Specialist assessment and surgical treatment of adrenal gland conditions, including adrenal tumours and hormone-producing growths.
Understanding the adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are two small, triangular glands that sit on top of each kidney. Despite their size, they play a vital role in health: they produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, the body’s response to stress, salt and water balance, metabolism, and some sex hormones.
Because the adrenal glands produce powerful hormones, even a small growth can sometimes cause significant effects by altering hormone levels. Many adrenal growths, however, produce no hormones and cause no symptoms at all. Adrenal surgery is part of urological practice because of the glands’ close relationship to the kidneys, and care is usually shared with an endocrinologist (hormone specialist).
How adrenal conditions are found
A large proportion of adrenal growths are discovered by chance on a CT or MRI scan performed for an unrelated reason — these are often called “incidentalomas”. When an adrenal mass is found, the key questions are whether it is producing excess hormones and whether it has any features that need closer attention. This is assessed with blood and urine tests and dedicated imaging.
Conditions we treat
Non-functioning adrenal adenoma
A benign (non-cancerous) growth that does not produce excess hormones. These are common and frequently found incidentally.
Usually none.
Most are simply monitored with periodic imaging and hormone testing. Surgery is considered if the growth is large, growing, or shows concerning features.
Hormone-producing (functioning) tumours
Some adrenal growths secrete excess hormones and can affect the whole body. Examples include tumours causing excess aldosterone (a treatable cause of high blood pressure), excess cortisol (Cushing’s syndrome), or excess adrenaline-type hormones (phaeochromocytoma).
Vary by hormone: hard-to-control high blood pressure, episodes of palpitations, sweating and headache, weight gain, muscle weakness, or changes in mood and skin.
Most occur sporadically; a minority are linked to inherited conditions.
Hormone control and careful preparation come first, followed by surgical removal of the affected gland (adrenalectomy) in most functioning tumours. Care is coordinated with an endocrinologist.
Adrenal cancer and metastases
Cancer arising in the adrenal gland (adrenocortical carcinoma) is rare. The adrenal glands can also be a site where cancers from elsewhere spread.
May include hormone-related effects, abdominal or flank discomfort, or none at all.
Treatment is individualised and may include surgery alongside other therapies, planned within a multidisciplinary team.
Adrenal surgery (adrenalectomy)
When an adrenal gland needs to be removed, it is most often done using minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted) techniques. Keyhole surgery means smaller incisions, less discomfort, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. Because one healthy adrenal gland can usually do the work of two, many people manage well after removal of a single gland, though some need hormone support — your specialist will explain what applies to you.
Team-based care
Adrenal conditions are managed jointly between urology and endocrinology, and sometimes other specialists. This ensures hormone levels are properly assessed and controlled before, during and after any treatment.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please consult a urologist about your individual circumstances.