The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that play a significant role in the adaptation of the human body to adverse conditions. They also regulate metabolism. The main function of this body is the production of hormones. Paired glands are located above the kidneys.
They are surrounded by a fairly dense connective tissue and immersed in the fatty membrane. The human body is subject to constant exposure to various factors that do not always have a beneficial effect on health. To date, a fairly common pathology is an
adrenal tumor
. Symptoms of the disease due to an increase or decrease in the level of hormones compared to the norm depend on the type of neoplasm. In this article, we will consider the most common pathologies of this organ.
Adenoma
This is the name of a hormone-active benign adrenal tumor . However, under certain conditions, it is capable of malignant degeneration. As a rule, at the initial stages, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, very often by chance during an examination of the abdominal cavity, an adrenal tumor is detected. Symptoms of the disease are as follows: changes in hormonal levels, osteoporosis, sudden weight gain, pressure surges. Also, this disease is characterized by the manifestation of signs of feminization in men, and in women - masculinization (low voice, infertility, hirsutism).
Hyperaldosteronism
With this pathology, a large amount of the hormone aldosterone is produced. Symptoms of hyperaldosteronism are: dizziness, headache, "flies" in front of the eyes, cramps, muscle weakness, bradycardia, polyuria, nocturia.
If untreated, complications such as diabetes mellitus, impaired sexual function, and kidney pathology may develop.
Pheochromocytoma
The disease is characterized by excessive production of catecholamine hormones (dopamine and adrenaline). Symptoms of the disease are as follows: periodic rises in pressure, accompanied by unaccountable fear, a feeling of chilliness, pallor of the skin. Such attacks in the initial period of the disease occur quite rarely - once every few months. However, over time, the severity, frequency, and duration of crises increase. Moreover, both in adults and in children, this adrenal gland tumor may occur. Symptoms of the disease can also be accompanied by convulsions, excessive sweating and salivation.
Corticoestroma
Pathology of the adrenal cortex. It is characterized by excess estrogen. Most often, it is in men that this adrenal tumor is diagnosed. Symptoms of the disease are as follows: female-type hair growth, increased voice timbre, testicular malnutrition, decreased potency, pigmentation of the nipple halo. In ladies, the corticoestrom does not manifest itself in any way, only a slight increase in estrogen in the blood is possible. In boys, the first sign of pathology is premature bone maturation and gynecomastia.
Androsteroma
Symptoms of the disease are caused by excessive secretion of androgen hormones by the tumor. Most often, the disease occurs in girls. The signs of this pathology are as follows: premature physical and sexual development, facial hair growth.
Due to the enhanced development of muscles, the weight of the child can significantly exceed normal values. Quite often, carbon-like rashes form on the face. In women, as a rule, malfunctions of the menstrual cycle, atrophy of the mammary glands, coarsening of the voice are observed.
Adrenal gland tumor. Causes
Pathologies of the endocrine glands often arise as a result of injuries, stress, as well as in the presence of chronic endocrine diseases and arterial hypertension. There is a high probability of tumor formation in people with congenital diseases of the adrenal gland.