Adenoma: What Is Adenoma?

What is Adenoma?

Adenoma is benign or non-cancerous tumors that form on glands in the body. They can form on any of the glands in the body like the breasts, lungs, heart and colon. In very rare cases these tumors do turn cancerous or malignant in which case they are called Adenocarcinomas. The glands which cause the growth of these tumors are usually glands which secrete important hormones and fluids in the body. When the epithelial cells responsible for secreting fluids like sweat, saliva and breast milk begin to grow rapidly they form a small lump called adenoma. Even though adenoma is non-cancerous it can cause serious health complications by pressing against other structures or causing over secretion of hormones.

What are the Causes of Adenoma?

There is no particular cause of adenomas. Many medical experts believe genetics have a role to play in the development of adenomas, but it is not the only reason. Certain drugs can increase the risk of adenomas especially in women. Drugs which affect levels of hormones in women, like birth control pills,could lead to the growth of adenomas.

What are the Symptoms?

The most obvious symptom of adenoma is the presence of a lump or a swelling. Depending on the location of the lump the location the size of the lump can be big or small. In case of a growth on internal organs a detailed scan like an MRI might be required.Adenomas in the lungs can go undetected because they produce symptoms similar to that of common cold like coughs, fevers, fatigue and body aches.Other symptoms of adenomas are changes in the body caused due to hormonal imbalances in the body. Hyperthyroidism or Parathyroidism leading to sudden weight loss or weight gains, metabolic changes in the body, kidney stones are all indicative of the presence of adenomas.

What are the Locations of Adenomas?

• Colon: Adenomas in the colons have a tendency to turn malignant. They are detected by performing a colonoscopy.


• Renal: Renal adenomas are small in size and are usually derived from renal tubules.


• Adrenal: Adrenal adenomas are usually located in the abdominal region. Most adrenal adenomas are benign and very rarely run the risk of turning cancerous.


• Thyroid: Adenomas in the thyroid are most common. However very few of them turn malignant. These can usually be detected by performing a biopsy.


• Pituitary: Pituitary adenomas go undiagnosed most of the time. They are more common in neurological patients.The increased level of progesterone in the female body suring preganance can lead to pituitary adenomas during this stage


• Parathyroid: Adenomas in the parathyroid gland can lead to the condition of primary hyperthyroidism


• Liver: Adenomas of the liver are the rarest and are known as hepatic tumors.


• Breasts: Breast adenomas are also known as fibroadenomas and often go undetected because they are small in size


• Appendix: Adenomas of the appendix or cystadenomas are extremely rare and are usually discovered during tissue examination after appendicitis.


• Bronchial: Bronchial adenomas are responsible for causing the carcinoid syndrome


• Sebaceous: A sebaceous adenoma is cutaneous in nature and is characterized by a pink, flesh-colored or yellow nodule.


• Salivary glands: These are also common and often have a tendency to turn cancerous.

What is the Treatment?

Treatment of adenomas depends on the type and location of adenomas. Usually adenomas are treated surgically and monitored by the doctors according to established guidelines. As adenomas in different locations differ in size and growth patterns, their treatment and procedures also vary.