A surgery is usually required for treating adrenal adenoma. In this article, we will take a look at the symptoms and treatment of adrenal adenoma in detail.
In humans, the adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. These are endocrine glands that are responsible for releasing adrenal hormones, which are essential for regulating the osmolarity of blood plasma. Sometimes, due to an unknown cause, a benign tumor may develop on the adrenal glands. This is known as adrenal adenoma. Many people confuse benign tumors with the malignant ones that cause cancer. It should be noted that benign tumors do not cause cancer. Therefore, adrenal adenoma is NOT a form of cancer. In this article, we will see the various treatment methods for this condition. However, before that, let us take a look at the causes and symptoms of the same in detail.
Adrenal Adenoma Symptoms and Causes
The exact cause that leads to adrenal adenoma is unknown. However, some scientists and researchers believe that this condition can be caused due to mutation in certain genes. Secondly, in most cases it is found that adrenal adenoma is present in people suffering from inherited genetic disorders. Adrenal adenomas can be of two types: functional and non-functional. Some adenomas secrete hormones, and hence, they are known as functional adenomas. On the other hand, some adenomas do not release hormones and hence, they are non-functional.
The functional adenomas are more dangerous as the hormones produced by these adenomas can cause severe disorders like Cushing’s syndrome (due to hormone cortisol), Conn’s syndrome (due to hormone aldosterone), Hyperandrogenism (due to hormone androgens). There are no specific symptoms related to the adrenal adenoma, however, one may observe symptoms related to any of the above mentioned conditions. Some adenomas also produce steroids hormones in a large-scale which can lead to several signs and symptoms like pain at the sides of back, bleeding, etc. Let us take a look at the adrenal gland adenoma treatment in detail.
Treating Adrenal Adenoma
It is easier to diagnose the disease in case of functional adenomas as there are quite a few symptoms that can be observed. The doctor will look out for the specific symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome or Conn’s syndrome for proper diagnosis of the disease. At the same times, tests like CT scan and MRI are helpful in diagnosing the condition. Along with CT scan and MRI, the doctor may also advise the person to undertake adrenal biopsy as it is one of the most effective methods used for the diagnosis of infections in the adrenal gland. Blood tests are also undertaken to check the hormone levels in the body.
Although you may come across several claimed herbal or natural remedies for adrenal adenoma treatment, it should be noted that this condition cannot be treated by natural methods. Surgical removal of the tumor, or the adenoma, is the only method of treating this condition. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy and abdominal laparotomy are the two major types of surgeries that are undertaken for removal of the benign adrenal gland tumor from the body. In case of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, multiple tiny incisions are made to carry out the procedure. While, in case of abdominal laparotomy, one large incision is taken for an invasive procedure. The patient may take a longer time to recovery after an abdominal laparotomy.
The treatment for adrenal adenoma is successful in most cases. However, it is essential for the person to consult a doctor at proper time and it is also essential to keep the abnormal hormone production under control for treating the disease effectively. If you are looking for preventive measures for this condition, note that the condition cannot be prevented, as the cause is unknown.
Lastly, one should remember that adrenal adenoma is a grave health condition which can further lead to more serious complications. Therefore, it is wise to get the condition diagnosed and treated immediately. Take care!
