Adenoma Health Article

Diagnosis

A variety of techniques is used to diagnose adenomas. Blood and urine samples are taken to detect elevated levels of hormones or other substances associated with a specific adenoma. Tumors are located using a combination of ultrasonography, computed tomography scan (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and possibly radionuclide imaging. A biopsy is performed to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant.

Treatment team

A doctor who interprets tissue samples (a pathologist) and a doctor trained in examining x rays and computer images (a radiologist) will make an initial diagnosis. Adenomas are often surgically removed, so a surgical team consisting of an anesthesiologist, surgeon, and nurses is often associated with treatment.

Clinical staging, treatments, and prognosis

Surgical removal is the recommended treatment for most adenomas, although the symptoms of some adenomas, such as pituitary tumors, can be treated with medication. In most cases, treatment cures the condition.

Clinical trials

Two clinical trials completed in mid-2001 investigated treatments to prevent colon cancer in patients who have had surgery to remove adenomas of the rectum or colon. An 800 mg daily dose of folic acid may decrease the occurrence of colon cancer in patients who have had adenomas removed. The combined use of two drugs that are prescribed for other conditions, eflonithine and sulindac, may prevent the development of adenomas or the recurrence of colon cancer.

See Also Fibrocystic condition of the breast; Pancreatic cancer, endocrine; Pancreatic cancer, exocrine

Resources

BOOKS

DeVita, Vincent T. Jr., Samuel Hellman, and Steven A. Rosenberg, eds. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 1997.

Greenspan, Francis S., and Gordon J. Strewler. Basic and Clinical Endocrinology. Stamford, Connecticut: Appleton&Lange, 1997.

Monica McGee, M.S.

Adrenal glands

—Two glands, one located above each kidney, that secrete hormones to prevent inflammation and to help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and metabolism.

Carcinoma

—A malignant (cancerous) tumor that forms from the cells lining the inside or the surface of an organ. They tend to spread to other tissues and organs.

Colon

—A section of the large intestine, occurring before the rectum, that functions to absorb water and minerals from material that passed undigested from the small intestines.

Epithelium

—A type of tissue that is composed of epithelial cells. It covers the outer and internal surfaces of the body and forms glands and parts of the sense organs.

Parathyroid glands

—Four glands found in the neck area, with a pair on either side of the thyroid. They produce parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood.

Pituitary gland

—A small gland found at the base of the brain. It is an important endocrine gland because it secretes many different hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands.

Thyroid gland

—A gland located at the base of the neck. It secretes hormones that are essential for the regulation of body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, the level of calcium in the blood, and the level of calcium absorption by the bones.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• Does the occurrence of this adenoma increase my chances of developing cancer?
• If I choose to have the adenoma surgically removed, what are the chances that I will develop another adenoma?
• Will all my symptoms disappear once the adenoma is removed?