Adrenal Tumor Specialist

According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), most adrenal tumors are benign, or non-cancerous, and may not need treatment. An endocrinologist is the type of medical doctor who specializes in treating adrenal tumors, whether they are cancerous or benign. Usually you are referred to an adrenal tumor specialist by your primary doctor.

Facts

• Adrenal tumors occur in the adrenal glands, which are located at the top of your kidneys. There are different types of surgical treatments available through an adrenal tumor specialist, depending upon the severity of your condition.

Function

• An endocrinologist who specializes in adrenal tumors will assess your symptoms and tests to determine whether your tumors are cancerous. Then he will determine the most appropriate type of treatment.

Education

• According to The Hormone Foundation, endocrinologists, in general, spend four years in medical school upon graduating from college to study endocrinology. Endocrinology is the study and treatment of your endocrine glands, which include: adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands, as well as your ovaries and pancreas.

Training

• Endocrinologists, including those who specialize in adrenal gland problems, spend at least 10 years in training, according to the Hormone Foundation. After medical school, future endocrinologists intern for about four years and then they spend an additional at least two more years learning their specialty.

Types

• According to the Hormone Foundation, endocrinologists may specialize in up to two areas of endocrinology. For instance, you may find that your adrenal tumor specialist also treats thyroid problems.