An additional factor that has allowed adrenal adenoma to remain somewhat of a mystery is the fact that its causes are not completely understood. However, it is a widely accepted belief that exposure to harmful chemicals that may cause damage to cells and internal organs will play an undeniable role. Some examples of these are cigarettes and alcohol. Both of these contain carcinogens and other compounds that have been known for some time to cause cellular abnormalities and a host of different cancers. Although the likelihood of a tumour located on the adrenal gland becoming malignant is relatively low, it should still be noted that even a benign tumour is still representative of a cellular mutation.
As the science of genetics continues to grow in leaps and bounds, it is now becoming an accepted theory that the mutations of certain genes can cause diseases to exhibit themselves later in one's life. However, this facet of science is still considered to be in its infancy and although many doctors believe that genes will absolutely play a role on the prevalence of adrenal adenoma, the specific genes involved have yet to be identified. It is hoped that the future will usher in technology that will allow for and earlier form of detection.
Adrenal adenomas have a slightly higher incidence within patients who have diseasse that are passed down from one generation to another. Some examples of diseases that may cause a proclivity to develop an adrenal adenoma are:
Once again, there is thought to be a genetic role in these cases and the possibility of adrenal adenoma occurring.
Another factor that is seen to be a possible cause are conditions that relate to the body's inability to regulate hormone production. In particular, diseases that cause the body to poorly control the production of steroidal hormones are seen as being possible precursors to the incidence of adrenal adenomas. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is once such illness that is seen to have such an effect. While this illness can be controlled, patients who are not as disciplined in monitoring themselves and taking their prescribed medications may be at a higher risk for developing adrenal adenoma.
As with most tumours (both benign and malignant), age is thought to play an important role. This is due to the fact that as our bodies age, the ability to repair our cells slowly becomes impaired. The result will be a higher incidence of cancers, benign tumours and a host of other conditions. This is one of the primary reasons that over the age of sixty, five percent of patients will exhibit a benign adrenal adenoma.
What is perhaps most interesting (and leading to once again the question of early detection) is that benign adenomas are found in up to thirty-two per cent of individuals when peforming an autopsy. In the majority of these cases, the individuals were never diagnosed previously and it was only upon a physical examination that the condition was discovered.
So, it is apparent that over time, the causes of adrenal adenoma will hopefully be more thoroughly understood. It is nonetheless important to appreciate that age, genetics and lifestyle habits will play important roles.