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The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys, one on each side of the body. They make several hormones important for normal body function. An adrenal nodule is a growth in the adrenal gland. Adrenal nodules are not uncommon and are found in approximately 5-8% of all patients.  Adrenal nodules are often discovered incidentally on imaging being done for another problem – for instance, a CT scan done to try to identify a cause for abdominal pain.  Since the adrenal glands sit in the top of the abdomen adrenal nodules are also sometimes identified on a CT scan of the chest done for a lung or heart problem. Nodules in the adrenal gland that are identified in such a way are termed “adrenal incidentalomas”. The vast majority of adrenal incidentalomas are benign (non-cancerous) and do not produce excess amounts of hormone. However, sometimes these adrenal nodules can make too much of a hormone that can be associated with a variety of medical problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes. If an adrenal incidentaloma is over 1 cm, blood work is recommended to see if the nodule is producing an excess of one of the adrenal hormones.

So, when an adrenal incidentaloma is identified on imaging we recommend further evaluation – usually just some blood tests - to ensure the following:

• That there is no evidence of hormone excess (make sure the nodule is not producing too much of the hormones it normally produces) and
• That the nodule has benign imaging characteristics (make sure the nodule doesn't look like it could be an adrenal cancer)

At ÎåÔÂÌìÊÓƵ, once an adrenal incidentaloma is identified on imaging, we recommend evaluation in the Adrenal Nodule Clinic.  Visits to the Adrenal Nodule Clinic can be done either in person or virtually via a video visit with our Endocrine Nurse Practitioner, Erin Hassett NP, in collaboration with a member of the division of Endocrinology or Endocrine Surgery.  The initial evaluation is typically a review of the imaging findings and obtaining some blood work specific for adrenal hormones.  Sometimes additional imaging is suggested if there is doubt about the nature of the adrenal nodule on the initial imaging.   If the blood work suggests a non-functioning nodule (most common), then a follow-up CT scan or MRI is typically scheduled for 6 months to be sure that there is no change in the nodule.   If the nodule is making excess hormone or has imaging characteristics that are worrisome then a consultation with one of the members of the division of Endocrinology or Endocrine Surgery will be arranged.

Symptoms of Adrenal Nodules 

Symptoms of adrenal nodules may vary, and if a nodule or tumor does not affect hormone secretion, it may not cause any symptoms.

Symptoms of adrenal nodules may include:

• Anxiety or irritability
• Depression
• Elevated blood sugars
• Fatigue
• Frequent headaches
• High blood pressure
• Irregular menstrual period
• Loss of bone density
• Low potassium
• Muscle weakness

Risk Factors for Adrenal Nodules

Certain people are at greater risk for developing adrenal nodules or tumors.

Risk factors for adrenal nodules may include:

Family history: Inherited genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes 1 and 2, von Hippel Lindau syndrome and hereditary bilateral adrenal adenomas can be associated with adrenal nodules.

Compassionate, Multidisciplinary Experts for Those with Adrenal Nodules

Our caring team is here to help you understand the implications of an adrenal nodule and develop a personalized treatment plan. Our aim is to help you focus on living well. At ÎåÔÂÌìÊÓƵ, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. Our care team includes endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more, as well as other members as we work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matte most to you.

As our patient, you will have access to leading research and clinical trials that will potentially improve care and outcomes for you and others with adrenal nodules.

Request an Appoitment

To request an appointment, please call 646-962-9099. Our staff will help you find the physician who best fits your individual medical needs.