

Masses which are functional and over 5 cm, will most commonly be treated with surgical removal. Additional workup may include a biopsy of the mass and/or continued regular surveillance imaging.

Learn about where kidney cancer may spread. Learn more If kidney cancer spreads Kidney cancer may spread to the lymph nodes, adrenal gland, lungs and bone. Depending on your overall medical condition and the size and appearance of the mass, your doctor may recommend additional imaging and blood tests to evaluate for functionality, as even benign adrenal tumors can be associated with symptoms. Kidney cancer is staged using the TNM system, which describes how far the cancer has spread in the body. It is very common to find adrenal masses ‘incidentally’ on a CT scan or MRI done for unrelated symptoms. Even benign adrenal masses may be functional and produce excessive hormones, and therefore require definitive treatment.Ĭertain genetic syndromes, however, are associated with higher risk of adrenal tumors including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type2 and neurofibromatosis type 1. Growths on the adrenal glands can be benign or cancerous and the development of most adrenal tumors is felt to be sporadic and not related to particular genetic or environmental risk factors. The outer portion, or cortex, of the adrenal makes other hormones involved in normal physiology and metabolic function.

The adrenal gland is composed of a medulla in the center of the gland which produces catecholamines (the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine). The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones. The adrenal glands are triangle shaped structures on top of each kidney and release hormones into the blood. Interstitial Cystitis & Painful Bladder Syndrome.Extracorporal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
