If a doctor tells you that you have a "lump" somewhere in your body, doesn't your whole body go cold? The first thing that comes to mind is the fear of "Is this cancer?" But not all lumps are cancer. Today we are going to talk about a type of lump that is not cancerous, but needs attention. That is adenoma.
What exactly is adenoma?
Simply put, an adenoma is a non-cancerous (benign) tumor . They form from epithelial tissue, which covers the organs and glands of our body. These tumors often grow in clusters. If you look closely, they look like small mushrooms with a small stalk.
An adenoma is a type of growth called a polyp. Doctors sometimes call it an adenomatous polyp .
The important thing is that adenomas are not cancer. However, sometimes, especially larger adenomas, they can turn into cancer over time. That's why it's so important to be monitored by a doctor about these.
What are the types of adenomas?
Adenomas mostly develop in the glands of our body. The glands produce and release chemicals called hormones that are essential for the functioning of our body. Accordingly, there are several types of adenomas. Let's see what the main types are.
| Type of adenoma | Place of occurrence and a brief description |
|---|---|
| Adrenal adenomas | These are produced in the adrenal glands located above our kidneys. |
| Colon adenomas | These are a type of polyp that forms in the lining of the colon. Those that are larger than 10 mm and look like cauliflower are called 'advanced adenomas'. |
| Parathyroid adenomas | These are produced in the parathyroid glands, which are located near the thyroid gland. This can cause excessive production of parathyroid hormone. |
| Pituitary adenomas | These develop in the pituitary gland in the brain. Those smaller than 1 cm are called microadenomas, and those larger than 1 cm are called macroadenomas. |
| Pleomorphic adenomas | These are produced in our salivary glands. |
| Sebaceous adenomas (adenomas of the sebaceous glands) | These occur in the oil-producing glands on the skin's surface. |
Additionally, adenomas can be "functioning" or "nonfunctioning." A functioning adenoma produces more hormones than is needed. A nonfunctioning adenoma does not produce any hormones. So if you have a nonfunctioning adenoma, you may not have any symptoms.
These fruits are also classified according to how they grow.
Doctors also classify these adenomas by looking at them under a microscope and classifying them based on the pattern of cell formation. This is important in determining treatment.
| Growth pattern | Appearance and characteristics |
|---|---|
| Tubular | They grow into a round or oval shape. They are most commonly seen in adenomas smaller than 0.5 inches. |
| Villous | They grow in a wavy, chaotic pattern, like a cabbage flower. This pattern is common in large adenomas. |
| Tubulovillous | A mixture of both of the above patterns. |
| Sessile | It grows without a stalk, in a flat shape, with a large base. |
| Serrated | When viewed under a microscope, a pattern resembling the teeth of a saw is visible. |
What are the symptoms of an adenoma?
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the adenoma. Some small adenomas may not cause any symptoms at all. However, there are some common signs that can be seen:
- Stomach ache
- Excessive body fatigue
- Headache
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bleeding from the anus
Why do we get adenomas?
This is because the cells in our body start to grow and divide uncontrollably. Normally, the cells in our body are told to die at a certain time. This is called programmed cell death . When this process goes awry, cells clump together and form tumors. Cancer cells also develop in this way. However, adenomas are not as aggressive as cancer cells and grow much more slowly.
Factors that increase risk
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing adenoma.
- Age: People in their 30s and 40s are more likely to develop pituitary adenomas.
- Genetic changes: Some genetic conditions, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), can cause adenomas. These are inherited.
- Genetic diseases: Some diseases, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), can run in families. These also increase the risk of adenomas.
- Gender: Women are twice as likely to develop parathyroid adenomas than men.
How does the doctor recognize this?
Your doctor will first examine you and ask about your medical history. Then, they may order some tests to confirm this.
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- PET scans
The most important test is a biopsy . This involves taking a small piece of tissue from the lump and sending it to a lab to determine whether it is an adenoma or something else.
What are the treatments?
Treatment varies depending on the type, size, and location of the adenoma.
- Medication: If the adenoma is causing hormonal problems, the doctor will prescribe medication to control it.
- Surgery: Large adenomas are generally more likely to turn into cancer. Therefore, things like polyps larger than 5 mm are removed surgically. Also, surgery may be recommended if the tumor is causing other health problems.
- Active surveillance: If the adenoma is very small and not causing any health problems, your doctor may take a "watch-and-wait" approach. This means not treating it, but constantly monitoring the tumor to see if it changes.
Can these be prevented from occurring?
Since we cannot control the genetic factors that contribute to the development of adenomas, we cannot prevent them 100%. However, the best thing we can do is to get regular cancer screenings . Ask your doctor how often you should have these tests, especially if you are at risk for developing adenomas.
In addition, these things will help maintain good overall health:
- Avoiding smoking
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Increasing physical activity
- Limiting alcohol consumption
Take-Home Message
- An adenoma is a noncancerous tumor, but some types, especially large ones, can become cancerous.
- Symptoms do not always appear, so medical examinations at the appropriate age, such as colonoscopy, are very important.
- Don't panic if you find out you have a tumor. Talk openly with your doctor about what it is and what to do about it.
- With proper treatment and monitoring, adenoma is a well-managed condition.
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