Adrenal Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Need to Know

When your adrenal tumor, a growth that develops on one or both adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys and produce vital hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Also known as adrenal mass, it can be harmless or serious—depending on whether it’s making too much hormone or spreading to other organs. Many people don’t know they have one until it causes strange symptoms like high blood pressure, sudden weight gain, or unexplained anxiety. These tumors aren’t always cancer, but they can still wreck your daily life by throwing your hormones out of balance.

Adrenal tumors relate directly to your adrenal gland, a pair of small, triangular organs that control stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure through hormone production. If a tumor starts pumping out extra cortisol, you might develop Cushing’s syndrome—fat around the midsection, thin arms, stretch marks, and mood swings. If it releases too much adrenaline, your heart races, you sweat for no reason, and your blood pressure spikes dangerously. And if it’s a rare type called an aldosteronoma, you could end up with low potassium and muscle cramps. These aren’t just side effects—they’re signals your body is screaming for help.

Not every adrenal tumor needs surgery. Some are found by accident during scans for other problems and stay quiet for years. But if you’ve been told you have one, you need to know the difference between benign and malignant, and whether your hormones are acting up. That’s where testing comes in—blood work, urine tests, and imaging like CT or MRI can tell you if the tumor is active, growing, or dangerous. And if you’re on medication for high blood pressure or diabetes that isn’t working like it should, an adrenal tumor might be the hidden cause.

People with certain genetic syndromes—like MEN1 or VHL—are at higher risk. But most cases show up in adults with no family history. Age, lifestyle, and even chronic stress might play a role, though science hasn’t nailed down the exact triggers. What’s clear is this: ignoring symptoms like unexplained fatigue, night sweats, or sudden mood changes could mean missing something serious. Early detection doesn’t always mean surgery—it often means catching it before it starts damaging your heart, bones, or mental health.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how these tumors connect to other health issues—from how hormone imbalances mimic depression, to how they interact with medications like blood pressure drugs or diabetes treatments. You’ll see what tests actually matter, what symptoms get overlooked, and how to talk to your doctor when something feels off. This isn’t just about a growth on your gland—it’s about understanding your whole body’s response to it.