Severe Headaches Lead Doctors to Discover Rare Adrenal Tumour in 12-Year-Old
Kurnool: In an unusual and medically significant case, a 12-year-old girl from the Nandyal region was diagnosed with a condition rarely seen in children, an adrenal gland tumour. These tumours, especially pheochromocytomas, are typically found in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, making this case highly exceptional.
The successful diagnosis and treatment were carried out by the expert team at KIMS Cuddles Kurnool, led by Consultant Pediatric & Neonatal Surgeon and Pediatric Urologist Dr. Sai Prasuna.
The young girl had been dealing with persistent, severe headaches for several days. Concerned, her parents took her to a local paediatrician, where it was discovered that she had abnormally high blood pressure. Such hypertension is extremely uncommon in children and is usually associated with older adults.
Recognising the seriousness of her condition, doctors ordered a CT scan, which revealed swelling and abnormalities in her adrenal gland. She was immediately referred to KIMS Cuddles Hospital for specialised evaluation and treatment.
After further examination, Dr. Sai Prasuna confirmed that the child had pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumour that leads to excessive secretion of catecholamines — hormones that drastically increase blood pressure. If not detected early, this condition can cause severe complications, including heart damage, stroke, and organ failure.
Given her already elevated blood pressure, the medical team began by stabilising her condition with targeted medication. Once her blood pressure reached a safe range, doctors proceeded with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumour completely. The surgery was successful, and the young patient responded well to the treatment.
Dr. Sai Prasuna emphasised the rarity of such cases, particularly in children, and highlighted the importance of early detection. Because the tumour was identified in its initial stages, timely intervention was possible, preventing long-term complications.
However, she also advised that children who experience hypertension at such a young age require ongoing medical follow-up. Even after successful removal of the tumour, the child may face an increased risk of heart-related issues due to previously elevated blood pressure. Regular check-ups and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure her long-term health and well-being.
Khushi Chittoria joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Editorial Intern. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from IP University and has completed certifications in content writing. She has a strong interest in anchoring, content writing, and editing. At Medical Dialogues, Khushi works in the editorial department, web stories and anchoring.