Adrenal tumors

Adrenal tumors are a rare type of tumor that develops from cells of the adrenal gland. In most cases, these tumors are benign, but in rare cases they can be cancerous. In this article we will look at the causes of adrenal tumors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and treatment of this disease.

Causes

The causes of adrenal tumors are still unknown. However, it is suggested that heredity may play some role in their development.

Clinical manifestations

The adrenal glands produce various hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and sex hormones. The main manifestations of an adrenal tumor are associated with the action of the hormone that it produces in excess. Here are some of these manifestations:

1. Constant increase in blood pressure. It is observed in tumors that produce the hormone aldosterone (Conn's disease), which is responsible for mineral metabolism. In addition to increased blood pressure, a person may be bothered by feelings of irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and frequent urge to urinate at night. Blood pressure can increase during attacks, but remain normal during the interictal period. This course of the disease occurs in pheochromocytoma. The frequency of attacks varies: from 10-15 per day to one for several months. The duration of the attack also varies from several minutes to 2-3 days. Concerns include headache, sweating, anxiety, fear, irritability, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain, paleness or redness of the face.

2. Disorder of sexual development: premature sexual development in boys and girls or, conversely, its delay.

3. Changes in the appearance of men and women. In women - deepening of the voice, excessive growth of body hair (on the face, chest), cessation of menstruation, shrinkage of the mammary glands, and sometimes baldness. In men, the main symptom is breast enlargement (gynecomastia). In addition, facial hair growth decreases, potency and sexual desire decrease.

Diagnostics

To diagnose an adrenal tumor, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, including:

1. Clinical examination and history taking. The doctor should pay attention to the presence of the above symptoms, as well as the presence of risk factors.

2. Laboratory blood tests. In the blood you can determine the level of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. If hormone levels are abnormal, this may indicate the presence of a tumor.

3. Ultrasonography. An ultrasound examination can show the presence of a tumor and its size.

4. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These methods provide a more accurate picture of the size of the tumor, its location and nature.

5. Biopsy. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the nature of the tumor.

Treatment

Treatment for adrenal tumors depends on their type and nature. For benign tumors that do not show symptoms, observation and monitoring of the patient's condition may be sufficient. If the tumor shows symptoms, drug treatment may be prescribed to reduce the levels of hormones produced by the tumor.

In the case of a malignant tumor, surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required. The decision to choose a treatment method is made individually depending on the nature of the tumor and the patient’s condition.

Conclusion

Adrenal tumors are a rare type of tumor, but they can have serious consequences if not treated correctly. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor promptly if the symptoms described above appear and undergo regular examinations, especially if there is a hereditary predisposition.