Assuming that a correct diagnosis has been made and it is determined that one has adrenal adenoma, there are several treatment options currently available. For the sake of this article, we will assume that the associated adenoma is benign in nature. Should it be found to be malignant, treatment will involve many of the same methods used in addressing cancer. Thankfully, many of these options can produce viable and permanent results and the prognosis for a full recovery is very good. So, let us take a look at some of the most common treatment options and what to expect during the procedures.
There is currently no known medication that can specifically target benign adrenal tumours. Thus, invasive surgical procedures are often times the safest and most effective means to excise these growths. Appropriately, this method is simply called an adrenalectomy.
There will normally be two surgical options that are possible. The first is a minimally invasive operation that is known as laproscopic surgery. A tiny incision is made in the abdomen and directly above the affected gland (or glands). A device is then used to remove the area involved or the entire adrenal gland if the tumour has spread. However, it has not been determined as to whether this technique is more efficacious than traditional surgery.
It should be noted here that there are specific criteria involved with deciding if a surgical procedure is the most relevant option. Generally speaking, lumps that are found to not be producing hormones, that have not grown significantly and that have a benign appearance can be left alone. Still, they will be periodically monitored for any future changes.
On the contrary, if a growth is found to be bleeding, if it has grown considerably in a short amount of time or if it is larger than three centrimetres or of an uncertain appearance, a doctor will most likely elect to have it excised and removed. This is both for safety reasons and for further analysis to determine as to whether it may be a malignancy.
Occasionally, a surgeon may elect to remove the spleen at the same time as the adrenalectomy is taking place. This is done simply as a precaution; particularly if the benign growth has been found to be malignant and there is a chance that it may have spread (the spleen and the adrenal gland are in relatively close proximity). As the spleen is involved in fighting various infections, doctors may vaccinate the patient against certain dangerous bacteria beforehand such as staph infections and other common strains.
Thankfully, the process of removing a benign tumour on the adrenal gland is rather straightforward and as many as ninety-seven percent of patients who undergo this surgery will make full recoveries and be left with no adverse effects. One of the only concerns is that of the anaesthesia that is used. Those patients who are allergic to general anaesthetic may be at a slight risk of complications. Naturally, an anaesthesiologist will be present throughout the surgery and if the patient has had adverse reactions to this method, other surgical options may be chosen.
Above all, adrenalectomies are safe and effective procedures in the vast majority of cases when a benign adrenal adenoma is present.