INFO & BLOG
About diagnosis, treatment and recovery
What is an adrenal incidentaloma, and does every incidentally found adrenal gland tumor need surgery?
An incidentaloma is an adrenal tumor found by chance on imaging done for another reason. Small, non-hormone-producing, benign-looking ones are usually followed with active surveillance, not immediate surgery.
What does functional (hormone-producing) and non-functional tumor mean, and how does it affect my treatment?
A functional tumor produces hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone or catecholamines; a non-functional one does not. Hormone testing makes this distinction, which then guides whether surveillance or surgery is needed.
What is pheochromocytoma, and why is special preparation (alpha-blockade) needed before surgery?
Pheochromocytoma is an adrenal tumor secreting catecholamines that can cause sudden swings in blood pressure and heart rhythm. Alpha-blocker preparation before surgery keeps these swings safely under control.
How is it determined whether the tumor is benign or malignant (adrenocortical carcinoma)?
The board decides by evaluating tumor size and imaging features on adrenal-protocol CT/MRI together with hormone tests and, when needed, functional imaging such as PET-CT.
What is the difference between robotic / laparoscopic adrenalectomy and open surgery?
Robotic/laparoscopic adrenalectomy uses small incisions with minimal bleeding and fast recovery. Open surgery is preferred for large or malignant (ACC) tumors, to remove them fully and intact.
Will I need hormone replacement after one adrenal gland is removed?
After one adrenal gland is removed, the other gland usually produces enough hormone. Depending on the case, temporary or permanent hormone replacement may be needed and is managed with follow-up.
What is mitotane, and in which patients is it used?
Mitotane is a medical oncology drug used in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). When needed it is combined with chemotherapy as part of systemic therapy, applied by board decision.
In which situations does SBRT (TrueBeam) come into play in adrenal tumors?
SBRT is used in unresectable or metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma and adrenal metastases, delivering high-accuracy targeted radiation with the TrueBeam LINAC.
Is genetic testing needed (MEN, VHL, neurofibromatosis, SDH)?
In patients with a suspected family syndrome or matching clinical features, genetic testing for MEN, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), neurofibromatosis and SDH gene changes may be considered.
How is follow-up performed after treatment?
Follow-up continues with hormone measurements, hormone replacement when needed, and regular imaging. For patients living far away, this can also continue via tele-oncology.
How does the process work for patients coming from abroad?
The process starts when you share your imaging and hormone test results with us. After board review and a price-guaranteed offer, we arrange visa, transfer, accommodation and interpreter support.