Adrenal tumors are in most cases found incidentally on a CT scan or because of producing an elevated amount of hormones causing symptoms and can be easily removed in the hands of a skilled experienced laparoscopic surgeon. In time the adrenal tumor will grow bigger increasing the chance on change to a malignancy.

Causes
Frequently, the cause is unknown, but certain genetic syndromes like, MEN-2, paraganglioma, Von Hippel;-Lindau and Li-Fraumeni syndromes and neurofibromatosis do increase the chance on the development of adrenal tumors.

Symptoms
As most adrenal tumors are found incidentally on a CT scan most present without any symptoms. However in case an adrenal tumor is producing hormones it can cause symptoms like hypertension (Conn’s disease), hot flushed (pheochromocytoma) or obesity (Cushing syndrome). Other symptoms of adrenal tumors can be anxiety, headache, palpitations, tiredness, and lethargy.

Diagnostics
Blood tests (aldosterone, cortisol), 24-hour urine measurement on stress hormones, CT-scan, PET and MIBG scans

Treatment
If the tumor is larger than 4 cm in size or has malignant characteristics on the CT or when it is producing a high level of hormones a curative (laparoscopic) removal of the adrenal gland is indicated. This surgery is not complex when done by an experienced laparoscopic (adrenal) surgeon. In most cases the patient can go home the day after the surgery.

Risks of the surgery
Hematoma/bleeding (<1%), thrombosis, wound infection.

Why chose Professor Guido Mannaerts MD PhD
He is a Netherlands board certified oncological surgeon with a broad experience in laparoscopic adrenal surgery as he was part of the adrenal team in the Rotterdam North region in The Netherlands and, therefore, he has a lot of experience in operating adrenal glands with an extreme low complication rate.
As being an Adjunct Professor at the UAE University and a broad research background Professor Guido is aiming for state of the art surgical care using the latest techniques.
His pleasant, honest, patient-centred care and being committed to achieve the best results for you makes you feel being treated like a family expert.