Doctor Nguyen Hoang Duc, Head of Urology at the Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, stated that Mr. Thanh's tumor was non-secreting, but its large size of 7 cm raised suspicion of malignancy.

The adrenal glands are deep within the abdomen, specifically located above each kidney, close to the diaphragm and major blood vessels such as the inferior vena cava (on the right) and the abdominal aorta (on the left). These glands are surrounded by fat and connective tissue, playing a crucial role in producing essential hormones for the body. Doctor Duc noted that Mr. Thanh's adrenal tumor was in a complex location, near the diaphragm and completely obscured by the liver, making traditional open or laparoscopic surgery very challenging. Due to the risk of the tumor compressing the liver and surrounding organs, the patient was indicated for robotic laparoscopic surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system.

With 4 flexible robotic arms and magnified 3D imaging, the surgical team could clearly visualize the surgical field, retract the liver, control blood vessels, and completely dissect the tumor along with the right adrenal gland, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

After surgery, the patient recovered well, resumed normal eating, and was discharged after 4 days. The pathology report confirmed Mr. Thanh had adrenal cancer, requiring regular follow-up to detect any complications or signs of recurrence promptly.

Doctor Duc performs adrenal tumor surgery for Mr. Thanh with the assistance of the Da Vinci Xi robot. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Each person has two adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in producing hormones such as aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure and electrolytes; stress-fighting cortisol; the adrenal medulla's adrenaline hormone; and androgens—sex hormones.

Adrenal tumors can be benign or malignant, often progressing silently with few symptoms; many cases are only discovered incidentally during examinations for other conditions. If a tumor is non-secreting and smaller than 4 cm, patients typically only require regular monitoring. However, when a tumor is larger than 4 cm, suspected malignant, or hormone-secreting, doctors indicate adrenalectomy for the patient. According to Doctor Duc, this is an effective treatment method, indicated when the tumor is localized and has not extensively invaded or metastasized.

In cases of advanced disease where surgical intervention is no longer possible, patients may receive medical treatment or chemotherapy to control the disease and prolong survival. Radiotherapy is indicated only in selected cases, primarily to alleviate pain and compression when metastasis is present.

Doctor Duc recommends that everyone undergo regular health check-ups, especially if they experience signs of endocrine disorders such as uncontrolled hypertension, rapid weight gain, abnormal hair growth, muscle weakness, or edema. Individuals with benign adrenal tumors require monitoring, and those with risk factors should undergo early screening. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol and tobacco, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and not self-medicating or using dietary supplements without a doctor's prescription are crucial.

Ha Thanh

*The patient's name has been changed