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Adenoma of the adrenal gland is not a malignant tumor and should not be confused with a tumor of the adrenal gland. Adenoma of the adrenal gland is formed from the glandular tissue of the adrenal glands. According to the statistics, it is a rare disease, most often it is detected during ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Each has two adrenal glands in which the production of hormones necessary for the proper functioning of the entire body takes place. Hormones are secreted by the cortex and medulla of the adrenal glands, inside which changes such as malignant and benign tumors, including adrenal adenoma, may develop.
Adenoma of the adrenal gland – symptoms
Adrenal adenoma is formed in the tissue of the adrenal gland that is tasked with producing hormones, the adrenal adenoma itself should not produce hormones, but this is not always the case. The examination to confirm or exclude the change is an abdominal ultrasound, MRI or CT scan. Contrast is administered during tomography, which should show whether the lesion is malignant or benign. Since adenoma of the adrenal gland does not always cause symptoms, it is detected by accident and this form is referred to as an incidentaloma, the so-called accidental tumor. Adenoma of the adrenal gland reaches a size of more than 1 cm. The second type of lesion is an adrenal adenoma, which produces too much hormones. Regardless of the type of prognosis, most diagnosed cases are good.
What symptoms does adrenal adenoma cause?
- osteoporosis
- diabetes
- stomach ulcers
- duodenal ulcers
- pollakiuria
- significant muscle weakness, in extreme cases even their atrophy
- lowering the body’s resistance
- disorders of the menstrual cycle
- characteristic weight gain around the collarbone, face and abdomen
- skin changes, for example, the skin may take a purple hue, acne may appear
- Cushing’s syndrome, where the amount of cortisol in the blood increases
- hirsutism, which is typical male hair growth in women
- high blood pressure that does not respond to medications
- mood disorders for example fatigue without much physical exertion
- nervous system disorders such as: insomnia or excessive sleepiness, emotional lability, depressive states
- Conn’s syndrome, in which the adrenal glands overproduce aldosterone. Aldosterone is very important in regulating electrolyte and water balance. Excess substance causes water retention in the body, which may result not only in weight gain, but above all in arterial hypertension. This type of adenocarcinoma can be confirmed by laboratory tests that show a high level of sodium while reducing the amount of potassium and magnesium.
Adenoma of the adrenal gland – treatment
In most cases, adrenal adenoma is treated by removing the lesion during a surgical operation. However, surgery may not always be possible, so it is necessary to properly prepare the patient for such a solution, for example, a pharmacological treatment aimed at stabilizing blood pressure may be necessary. In the case of changes that do not threaten organ dysfunction, further management is based on periodic inspections. Adenoma of the adrenal gland gives a good prognosis in treatment and its outcomes.
Check what medications are used to treat adrenal adenoma