What is the adrenal gland?
The adrenal glands, also called the “suprarenal glands”, are two glands, one on top of each kidney. They have parts called the cortex and the medulla, which contain different types of cells. Different hormones are secreted from these two parts. For this reason, tumors arising from different areas lead to different symptoms.
How are adrenal gland masses detected?
Most adrenal masses are benign, that is, not cancerous. Benign masses are divided into two groups according to whether or not they are functional. 80% of masses are non-functional, meaning they do not secrete any hormone. For this reason, they do not cause any complaints and are found incidentally during imaging.
Functional masses (Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, Conn's syndrome, virilizing tumors) secrete hormones and cause symptoms due to an excess of these hormones.
Adrenal cancer is quite rare and is seen at older ages.
What are the symptoms of adrenal gland masses?
Depending on the type of hormone secreted, complaints develop as follows:
Pheochromocytoma: Excess adrenaline is secreted. It presents with uncontrollable high blood pressure, headache, panic attacks and palpitations
Cushing's syndrome: Excess cortisol is secreted. It presents with obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Conn's syndrome: Excess aldosterone is secreted. It presents with high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels.
Which tests are done for diagnosis?
The differential diagnosis of adrenal masses is made through the joint work of general surgery, endocrinology and radiology specialists. This is a fairly complex process. Many tests are performed during this process, mainly hormonal tests and imaging methods.
How are adrenal masses treated?
The primary treatment for adrenal masses is surgical removal. However, in some cases, monitoring or medication may also be used.
At İzmir Özel Can Hastanesi and Salihli Özel Can Hastanesi, the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal masses are evaluated by specialists in general surgery, endocrinology and radiology who have extensive scientific knowledge, skill and experience in their fields, and the most appropriate treatment approaches are applied. Please contact us for information and appointments.
References
1- William F Young, Jr et al. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-and-management-of-the-adrenal-incidentaloma
2- Andre Lacroix – https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-presentation-and-evaluation-of-adrenocortical-tumors
The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.
