Adrenal Diseases

From WikiGenetics

1 Definition
2 Description, Signs and Symptoms
3 See Also
4 Resources
5 References

[edit] Definition

Adrenal tumors are associated with excess production of any adrenal hormone:

cortisol (Cushing’s Syndrome)
aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism)
androgens or adrenaline (pheochromocytoma)

[edit] Description, Signs and Symptoms

It is common for adrenal tumors to not present any significant signs or symptoms.

Blood and urine tests as well as analysis of clinical history and physical examination are all performed in order to rule out any other reasons for excess hormone secretion. While most adrenal tumors are non-functioning, if it is found that an adrenal tumor is actually producing the excess of a hormone, surgery is typically the next step taken in the process of curing the disease.

Surgical decisions depend on the size and rate of growth of the tumor. Since most adrenal tumors have a very slow growth rate, CT imaging is often used to follow their condition. If a tumor is growing, then it should be removed since the consequences of a very large tumor can include the potential for it to go from benign to malignant and cause significant complications.