|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Tumor in the Adrenal Cortex

The adrenal glands consist of two tiny pyramid-shaped glands that sit on the top of both kidneys. These glands regulate stress in the body and help the body cope with threatening situations. Adrenal glands form a key part in the body's endocrine (hormonal) system.

  1. Cortex

    • The adrenal gland consists of the adrenal medulla, the inner part which produces adrenaline and dopamine, and the outer portion called the adrenal cortex. The cortex makes three hormones, cortisol, aldolsterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and controls metabolism, electrolyte balance and sex hormones.

    Adrenocortical Adenoma

    • Adenoma accounts for 99 percent of all adrenal gland tumors, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Adrenocortical adenoma is a benign adrenal cortex tumor; it typically does not cause symptoms and generally does not require treatment.

    Adrenocortical Carcinoma

    • The adrenocortical carcinoma is an extremely rare cancerous tumor, which the ASC reports affects roughly between four to 12 people in one million. This adrenal tumor may spread to nearby organs and can cause the adrenal cortex to produce excessive hormones. Physicians can treat adrenocortical carcinoma in virtually every stage.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of an adrenal tumor include an unexplained change in weight, headaches, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, change in libido, acne, excess facial or body hair, anxiety, heart palpitations and muscle weakness.

    Treatment

    • Small adenoma tumors causing no symptoms will simply be observed with no surgery. Surgeons perform laparoscopic removal of tumors smaller than 10mm. Carcinoma may require open surgery. As a last resort, laparoscopic removal of both adrenal glands occurs when Cushing's disease or pheochromocytoma (adrenal medulla tumor) is present.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles