Disease Symptoms

Facts

Adrenal gland tumors might not lead to symptoms at first, but as the tumor grows, excess hormone production will begin. Two belonging to the major kinds of hormones produced by the adrenal glands are catecholamines and corticosteroids. The increase in completely different hormones is what contributes to many symptoms. In part, the symptoms that occur are associated to which hormone is produced in excess.
Types

The adrenal gland is divided into two main areas. Both areas can develop tumors. Tumors in the adrenal medulla lead to the production of catecholamines, along the lines of epinephrine. Symptoms with this type of tumor might include chest pain, dizziness, shaking and high blood pressure. Tumors in the adrenal cortex lead to an increased production of corticosteroids, along the lines of cortisol. This can lead to mood changes, weight gain, water retention and increased body hair. In addition to symptoms associated to excess hormone production, general symptoms of a tumor include abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Considerations

Because hormones could be launched into the bloodstream only intermittently and hormone amounts are not constant, some symptoms might come and go. For example, if epinephrine is produced and an increase in heart rate and high blood pressure develop, symptoms might subside as the hormone level decreases in the bloodstream. It’s impossible to predict when or to what extent hormone amounts are launched into the bloodstream and when symptoms will increase.
Diagnosis

Because some symptoms of an adrenal tumor are comparable to those of other conditions, along the lines of heart problems, a doctor must create a correct diagnosis. After a doctor evaluates the symptoms, blood medical tests could be ordered to detect higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, along the lines of epinephrine. A CT scan or an MRI could be done to watch the kidneys and seek out tumors within the adrenal glands.
Treatments

If an adrenal gland tumor is causing symptoms, even if it is benign, treatment could be needed. Because among the symptoms is high blood pressure, medicine is usually given to aid lower your blood pressure. Beta blockers might be also prescribed to aid regulate your heart rate. Surgery to eliminate the tumors could be required if medicine does not relieve symptoms. Adrenal tumors which are cancerous might require further treatment to ease symptoms, along the lines of radiation and chemotherapy.