A neoplasm of the adrenal gland is an abnormal growth of tissue that may or may not alter the function of the gland. This tissue can grow rapidly, destroying the gland or pressing on adjoining organs causing dysfunction. The adrenal glands are small glands located near the top of each kidney. Each adrenal gland consists of an outer layer of tissue called the cortex. The cortex excretes hormones called corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids. These hormones help to regulate blood pressure and electrolyte (salt and potassium) levels in the body. The inner portion of the adrenal gland secretes hormones to regulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Tumor Types
Tumors of the adrenal gland may start in the adrenal gland (primary tumor) or be caused by a cancer elsewhere in the body. Some adrenal tumors can cause an overproduction of adrenal hormones. Primary adrenal tumors can cause a number of different syndromes, depending on the location of the tumor in the adrenal gland and if it secretes hormones.
Adenoma
The most common adrenal gland tumor is the adenoma. This is a benign (non-secreting) tumor that usually does not cause any symptoms. An adrenal adenoma is usually found while taking medical images (X-ray, CAT scan) for other medical problems. If it remains small, it usually will not require any treatment other than periodic monitoring. If an adrenal adenoma is found to be functioning (secreting hormones) or if it is thought to be malignant, it may be surgically removed.
Carcinoma
Far less common is an adrenocortical carcinoma. This type of tumor begins in the adrenal cortex. It can either secrete hormones or be non-functioning. It is usually diagnosed in adults over the age of 40. The symptoms of this type of tumor are not well defined. Frequently, it is diagnosed after the cancer has spread from the adrenal gland to other parts of the body. It is most apt to spread to the lining of the abdomen, the liver, the lungs or to bones.
Neuroblastoma
Children can have a neuroblastoma, or an adrenal cancer, that begins in the adrenal's cortex. The tumor can also begin in other sites of the body or spread to other areas. Symptoms of a neuroblastoma include a lump in the abdomen, swollen stomach, weakness or paralysis. Often, before diagnosis, the tumor will grow to such a size that it presses on other organs causing symptoms associated with these structures.
Pheochromocytoma
A pheochromocytoma is a cancerous neuro-endocrine tumor that develops in the adrenal medulla. This type of tumor causes an overproduction of hormones called catecholamines. Examples of catecholamines include adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine. High levels of catecholamines cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, lightheadedness, headaches, abdominal pain and a feeling of impending doom. Sometimes these symptoms are mistaken for a panic attack.
Tags: adrenal gland, adrenal gland, type tumor, adrenal adenoma, adrenal cortex, adrenal gland secretes, adrenal tumors
