Adrenal Tumors

What Are Adrenal Tumors? Did you know some tumors hide near the kidneys and can worsen at an alarming rate? We are talking about adrenal tumors. Adrenal tumors can be benign or malignant. These are known to disrupt hormonal balance, in turn ruining the normal functioning of the body. It is located on the upper part of the kidney and plays an important role in the endocrine system. It is involved in releasing hormones that regulate the functioning of the body, such as metabolism, stress response, and regulation of blood pressure. What are adrenal glands? Adrenal glands are two small, triangular in shape, each about half an inch high and three inches long, sitting on the upper region of your kidneys like tiny caps. These adrenal glands have two distinct parts: the medulla and the cortex. The inner part of the adrenal gland, also known as medulla secretes catecholamines similar to adrenaline and noradrenaline. These are known as stress hormones, which respond during emergencies to increase alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure in order to prepare the body for action. Whereas the outer part of the adrenal gland, also known as the cortex, produces hormones that regulate blood pressure, metabolism and the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Related posts World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action Every year on August 1st, the global community comes together to recognize … Understanding Fever: When to Act and How to Manage Understanding Fever: When to Act and How to Manage Understanding Fever: When to Act and How to Manage Fever is a common physiological response of the body to various internal and … 1 2 3 … 5 Next » What are the symptoms of adrenal tumors? Symptoms of adrenal tumors can vary depending on whether the tumor is functioning (producing hormones) or non-functioning. Here are some common symptoms: Functioning Tumors: Depending on the type of hormone overproduced by the tumor, symptoms may include: Cushing’s syndrome: Weight gain, especially around the midsection and upper back, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Hyperaldosteronism: High blood pressure, low potassium levels, muscle weakness, and frequent urination. Virilization: In women, this can cause excessive facial and body hair growth, deepening of the voice, and irregular menstrual periods. Feminization: In men, this can cause breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and loss of libido. Non-Functioning Tumors: Abdominal or Back Pain: Pain in the abdomen or back, often on the side where the tumor is located. Feeling of Fullness: Due to the tumor pressing on nearby organs, such as the kidneys or intestines. Unintended Weight Loss: Without dieting or lifestyle changes. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak, even with adequate rest. Changes in Urination: Increased frequency or urgency, or blood in the urine. Symptoms of adrenal tumors can vary depending on whether the tumor is functioning (producing hormones) or non-functioning. Here are some common symptoms: Functioning Tumors: Depending on the type of hormone overproduced by the tumor, symptoms may include: Cushing’s syndrome: Weight gain, especially around the midsection and upper back, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Hyperaldosteronism: High blood pressure, low potassium levels, muscle weakness, and frequent urination. Virilization: In women, this can cause excessive facial and body hair growth, deepening of the voice, and irregular menstrual periods. Feminization: In men, this can cause breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and loss of libido. Non-Functioning Tumors: Abdominal or Back Pain: Pain in the abdomen or back, often on the side where the tumor is located. Feeling of Fullness: Due to the tumor pressing on nearby organs, such as the kidneys or intestines. Unintended Weight Loss: Without dieting or lifestyle changes. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak, even with adequate rest. Changes in Urination: Increased frequency or urgency, or blood in the urine.  Other Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, or unexplained sweating. Adrenal tumors can be the reason why your bodily functions are acting weird lately. Visit an expert and get screened today.  What causes adrenal tumors? The exact causes of adrenal tumors are not always clear, but several factors may contribute to their development. Here are some potential causes: Genetic Factors: In some cases, adrenal tumors can be caused by inherited genetic mutations that predispose individuals to develop these growths. Conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), and von Hippel-Lindau disease are associated with an increased risk of adrenal tumors. Chronic Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight has been linked to the development of certain adrenal tumors, particularly adrenocortical carcinomas. Radiation Therapy: Previous radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis, often used to treat other cancers or medical conditions, may increase the risk of developing adrenal tumors later in life. Unknown Factors: In many cases, the exact cause of adrenal tumors remains unknown. Some tumors may develop spontaneously due to random genetic mutations or other factors that are not yet fully understood. Not everyone with these risk factors will develop adrenal tumors, and some individuals may develop these tumors without any identifiable risk factors.  How are adrenal tumors diagnosed? The diagnosis of adrenal tumors depends on the type and stage of the tumors. Some of the diagnostic methods are: Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor thoroughly reviews the patient’s medical history and a physical examination is done to find the symptoms or signs of adrenal abnormalities, such as palpable masses or changes in blood pressure. Blood and Urine Tests: To check the hormonal levels in the body, blood and urine tests are done. Findings like elevated levels of cortisol may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, and excess aldosterone may indicate aldosteronism.  Imaging Studies: Imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are done to determine the size, location and characteristics of the tumor. Biopsy: It involves using a thin needle to extract