The adrenal glands are one of the most important and significant organs. These are endocrine paired glands that produce the production of many hormones. It is these hormones that make it possible to regulate a huge number of metabolic processes: electrolyte and water balance, a woman's ability to conceive a child, and blood pressure indicators. Adenoma is a benign tumor that occurs mainly in the glandular tissue of the adrenal gland. The development of an adenoma has a phased character, and with untimely treatment, it can degenerate into a more dangerous, malignant tumor. This disease can develop in people of both sexes, however, in women, adrenal adenoma occurs more often.
Causes
The exact causes that provoke the occurrence of adenoma in people, scientists have not yet been able to accurately determine. The stimulating role is most likely played by the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the release and production of adrenocorticotropic hormone. This hormone gives an impetus to the cortical layer to increase the formation of hormones, especially if there are other relevant factors for this.
It is believed that the following factors affect the development of adrenal gland adenomas in humans:
- burdened heredity;
- bad habits;
- the presence of obesity;
- increased blood cholesterol;
- metabolic disorders;
- impaired heart function;
- unsatisfactory state of the vascular system;
- age over 30 years;
- hormonal imbalance;
- a stroke or heart attack;
- trauma to internal organs.
This diagnosis is most often made to women, which is caused by such provocateurs as:
- pregnancy;
- polycystic ovary;
- uncontrolled use of contraceptives or hormonal substances.
The reasons for the appearance of adrenal gland adenomas in humans are not yet fully understood. But the article describes the most common factors that can trigger the growth of a benign tumor in the adrenal glands. The main thing is not to start the disease and prevent the tumor from developing into a malignant one.
Common symptoms
The adrenal glands are an endocrine paired organ that is very important for human health, which is located, respectively, above the kidneys. Adrenal adenoma is usually a benign tumor, which, if untimely and improperly treated, can become malignant.
In the first stage of adrenal adenoma, the symptoms are practically not manifested. The adrenal glands produce different hormones, and when a tumor appears, they can provoke the appearance of hormonal failure. In a neglected form, the patient may experience dangerous conditions: for example, Cushing's syndrome (increased production of the hormone cortisol) and Cohn's syndrome (excess aldosterone).
The most reliable symptom of adenoma is an unreasonable weight gain, which can occur with hormonal disorders, and an increase in blood pressure.
Symptoms in women
Symptoms of adrenal gland adenoma in women are such that they can cause the appearance of a large amount of hair on the body or face, the voice becomes rough, and the menstrual cycle may be disturbed. Such malfunctions can persist for some time even after surgery, so it is imperative that you consult your endocrinologist when they occur. In addition to the hormonal background, a woman’s adenoma can also manifest other symptoms: shortness of breath during physical work, muscle weakness and fatigue.
Symptoms in men
With corticosteroma, lipid metabolism is usually disturbed, which often leads to signs of obesity, muscle atrophy can occur. With aldosteroma, the level of potassium in the body decreases, as a result of which the fluid is retained, and the pressure rises.
If the adrenal adenoma is small, after removal of the neoplasm, all symptoms of the disease disappear. But to predict the result of a malignant tumor is extremely difficult! To avoid this problem, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures and visit specialized specialists in a timely manner.
Classification
Neoplasms in the cortical layer of the adrenal gland is called adenoma. The disease is characterized by the absence of manifestation of early symptoms and at the initial stage of development can be detected during a routine medical examination. Adenoma of the right adrenal gland, as well as the left, has the form of a compacted growth enclosed in a capsule.
Tumors are divided according to the presence or absence of hormonal activity. Hormone-producing formations have a negative effect on all organ systems. With the growth of such a nodule, hormonal imbalance will increase, entailing changes in the figure of men and women, fragility of bones, can provoke the development of Cushing and Kohn syndromes. An increase in size over 4 cm is an urgent indication for surgery. The operation can be classic abdominal or performed minimally invasive laparoscopic method. In exceptional cases, radiation or chemotherapy is used to suppress tissue proliferation. The choice of method is carried out by the doctor based on the conclusion about the shape, type and size of the tumor. After a successful surgical intervention, a period of rehabilitation begins. It consists in appropriate hormone replacement therapy aimed at restoring the functional state of the adrenal glands.
Diagnostics
The adrenal gland adenoma in a patient is revealed by chance at some preventive examination. After finding a tumor, the doctors face the task: to determine the structure of the adenoma, to identify the nature of its development (benign, malignant). To identify the type of tumor, studies are carried out:
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- A biopsy of the adrenal gland.
- Determine the amount of cortisol in the urine.
- Small and large dexamethasone samples are taken.
- You also need a blood test for renin, chromogranin, aldosterone, ACTH, studies for the presence of ions in the blood, calcitonins.
Computed tomography should only be performed on a good tomograph. The optimal variant of the device parameters with the presence of sections 64, 128. During the examination, the tumor size, the density of formation are examined, and arterial vein images are taken. After the examination, they decide what kind of tumor. At low density - benign, at high density - malignant.
A biopsy is performed only when there is a need to determine the infection of neighboring organs. In other cases, the doctors themselves try to refuse a biopsy, since this is a very traumatic method of research.
Cortisol in urine is determined because its value may be misinterpreted through blood.
Dexamethasone samples allow you to accurately determine the amount of cortisol secreted by the tissues with the tumor. To conduct a test, the patient is taken blood for analysis in the morning, after which they give a dexamethasone tablet for provocation. The next day, take a blood test again and compare the two test results. When the level of cortisol after taking the pill does not decrease at least twice, make a corresponding conclusion - its release by infected tissues is uncontrolled.
After diagnosing, identifying symptoms, and treating adrenal adenoma in women and men, you can start treatment.
Treatment
After diagnosing the disease, it is necessary to start treatment of adrenal adenoma in women and men as soon as possible, since a benign tumor can develop into a malignant one. With a small tumor that is inactive, the patient is constantly monitored by oncologists who monitor the development of the tumor and, if necessary, adjust the treatment. The patient undergoes hormone therapy, which prevents the tumor from growing, getting into healthy organs and stabilizes the hormonal background, and a number of tests and examinations (CT and blood tests for hormones). If during the observation the adenoma does not start to grow and show hormonal activity, treatment is not necessary. Most often, treatment of adrenal adenoma requires surgical intervention in which the tumor is removed.
Types of Removal
There are several types of adenoma removal:
- Minimally invasive, in which three small incisions are made, the operation is performed using a video camera with built-in diodes, which gives the surgeon an overview of the internal organs. After the operation, the patient is in the hospital for 4-6 days, after which he can be discharged. Rehabilitation with this type of surgery is faster. This method of removing adenoma is possible provided that it is benign and small in size.
- Abdominal. With this operation, a large incision is made in the abdominal cavity for a better view of the internal organs. It is mainly used for bilateral tumor localization.
- More modern and safer is the lumbar extraperitoneal access, in which the instruments are inserted using a puncture of the skin and the operation is performed without affecting the abdominal cavity. To remove the tumor, either three punctures or an incision 2-3 cm long are made. An undoubted plus of this type of operation is the minimum possibility of injury, due to which the patient can be discharged after 2 days, and the invisibility of the scars from the operation.
- Robotic operation. The principle of conducting - as with laparoscopy. The adrenal gland is left and right. Due to accessibility, it is easier to diagnose and remove the tumor from the left adrenal gland.
After surgery, the patient needs to undergo hormone therapy to recover, in some cases, when there is a likelihood of re-growth of cells, chemotherapy based on mitotane is used. High-radiation therapy is prescribed in the third stage of adrenal adenoma. If the adrenal adenoma was benign, then the chance of a new formation is almost zero, but if it had malignant inclusions, the success of the treatment is approximately 40%. Contraindications to the operation can be a disease of diabetes, kidney disease and the genitourinary system.
Folk remedies
Treatment of adrenal gland adenoma with folk remedies has a therapeutic effect in only two cases, namely:
- During the recovery period.
- At the first or second stage of development of adenoma.
In order to normalize the work of the adrenal glands, reduce and maintain the necessary level of hormones, use various herbs, infusions.
Decoctions for the treatment of adrenal adenoma, indications and contraindications, we will consider further.
Licorice root helps to reduce the level of hormones in the blood, reduces the risk of infection.
Cooking method. Take fresh licorice root, rinse thoroughly and pour boiling water over it. Dry, then grind. You can buy in the pharmacy a ready-made collection of licorice root, but it is considered less effective.
Add licorice root to boiling water, cook for 3 minutes, and then remove from the stove. Pour into a jar, wrap and remove for 5-6 hours.
Mode of application. 3 times a day, 100-200 milliliters, before each meal.
Contraindications:
- The acute stage of the disease.
- Hypertension
- Intolerance to the components of licorice root.
Among other things, when preparing a decoction, you can use various components necessary to improve the work of the adrenal glands. For example, carrots, parsley, dandelion and so on.
A decoction of geranium leaves improves blood circulation, has an analgesic and diuretic effect.
Cooking method. Take dry or fresh leaves of geranium. Grind, measure 50 grams. Pour the leaves of geranium in 250 milliliters of water. Insist 5-10 minutes.
Mode of application. 1 cup 10-15 minutes before meals.
Contraindications:
- Children's age (up to 10 years).
- Chronic diseases of the stomach.
- Low blood pressure;
- Blood coagulation disorders.
Herbal infusions used to treat adrenal adenoma in men and women. Unlike ordinary decoctions, infusions take longer, are more effective, but use them with caution. Snowdrop leaves help normalize the activity of the adrenal glands, help the body heal affected tissues and inhibit the growth of tumors.
Cooking method. It is necessary to take 70-80 flowers or leaves of a snowdrop. The required amount is calculated depending on body weight. Pour 70% alcohol solution, insist in a dark place for a month.
Mode of application. It is necessary to take courses starting with 1 drop, and then, during the week, bring to 20-30 drops 2 times a day, before meals. The number of drops also depends on the age and weight of the patient.
Prevention
Only compliance with preventive measures can avoid the appearance of diseases such as adrenal adenoma. This is due to the fact that medicine has not yet developed narrowly targeted measures to prevent the appearance of neoplasms. Preventive measures:
- A complete and irrevocable rejection of all bad habits until the end of life.
- Monitor body weight and its maintenance.
- Use only medications authorized by your doctor.
- All hormonal drugs are especially prohibited.
- Detection and timely treatment, until complete recovery, of any pathology that can develop adenoma.
- As frequent visits as possible to specialists with a full preventive examination, undergoing ultrasound, CT and MRI, passing the required tests and analyzes.
The disease will have a favorable prognosis if the disease is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Successfully completed therapy gives a chance to avoid relapse. The main danger of adrenal adenoma is the risk that the tumor will undergo a transformation and become a malignant formation. If malignancy has occurred, then the forecasts become disappointing, mortality reaches 50%.