History and examination

During the initial appointment, specific questions will aim to define the symptoms (if any) caused by the adrenal tumour and a clinical examination will try to identify signs that can suggest the type of tumour.

Radiology - CT/MRI scan

The type of scan will be decided by your doctor but is likely to be a CT (computer tomography) or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. More complex scans are needed in a small number of patients (e.g. PET scan)

Blood and urine tests

• All patients have a spot urine analysis to check for metanephrines (i.e compounds derived from adrenaline).

• Blood test for cortisol is done at 09:00 in the morning after having had 1 mg Dexamethasone tablet at 23:00 the night before.

• Patients with high blood pressure will have aldosterone and renin levels checked.

Specialised investigations

• Adrenal venous sampling is used for patients with Conn’s syndrome

• MIBG scan is sometimes used in patients with phaeochromocytoma