While adrenal adenoma is indeed one of the more unique conditions that one can develop, a vast amount of research is being undertaken in the hopes that further light can be shed on this illness. For sake of clarity, this research can be broken up into three distinct areas:
Let us take a look at each of these areas in a bit more detail.
One of the sectors that has considerably advanced during the past few decades is in the visual detection of adrenal adenoma. While CT scans were the primary means of imaging in the past, these techniques often times did not offer the clarity or the functionality to detect smaller adenomas. Thankfully, the inclusion of MRI and PET scans has vastly improved detection techniques. Both methods employ processes that result in a much greater resolution of the internal organs. This will allow even smaller adrenal adenomas to be more easily detected. With computer-assisted diagnostic technology, these imaging techniques are only expected to increase in their power and clarity in the coming years.
As of yet, there are no medications that will specifically target an existing benign (or malignant) tumour. So, much of the focus still relies on surgical procedures. However, less invasive techniques are being devised and arthroscopic surgery may indeed become the method of choice as technology continues to advance. Also, there are hopes that through the use of nanotechnology, oral medications may eventually be developed that contain substances that are literally "programmed" to target either benign or malignant growths. This will all but negate the need for any type of invasive surgery. Once again, such medicines may still be decades away. However, this has not detracted multiple studies to be carried out in hopes of furthering this revolutionary trend in medical science.
As with many diseases, it is thought that prevention will centrally revolve around early detection on a genetic basis. As science begins to understand the genomes responsible for this condition, it is thought that the manipulation of certain chromosomes may eventually lead to early preventative procedures. It is even predicted that such techniques can be utilised while a child is still in the womb.
Obviously, this will not serve the older population as much as it will cater to younger generations. Still, a comprehensive genetic diagnostic analysis can greatly aid in identifying one's predisposition to this condition.
Finally, there is still ongoing research as to whether there exist any causal environmental factors that can be directly attributed to the formation of adrenal adenomas (for instance, exposure to a certain chemical or the lack of a specific nutrient at an early age). While this is thought to be perhaps less of a root cause, it should be noted that the combination of a predisposition and an exposure to external factors can work in synergy to bring about this illness. It is for this reason that doctors still take environmental variables seriously.
These are some of the areas of research that are quite promising for the short- and long-term diagnosis, treatment and prevention of adrenal adenomas. It will indeed be interesting to see what the future may hold.