Adenoma of the adrenal gland
Adenoma of the adrenal gland Causes
Along with other types of adenomas, the cause of adrenal adenomas is largely unknown. However, the current accepted theory states that adenomas arise from mutations in the person's genes. Patients with some genetic defects of body systems can also increase the possibility of adenoma and the likelihood increases as the person ages.
Adenoma of the adrenal gland Definition
Adrenal adenomas are categorized as benign or a non-cancerous form of tumour of the adrenal gland. It can arise from the gland's outer layer or what is known as as the adrebal cortez. Ig the adenoma produces hormones, it is considered as a functioning adenoma and non-functioning for adenomas that do not produce hormones.
Adenoma of the adrenal gland Diagnosis
Most of the patients with adrenal adenoma are diagnosed by chance when an MRI or CT scan is performed for some unrelated symptoms.
Adenoma of the adrenal gland Symptoms and Signs
Majority of the adrenal adenoma patients do not display any detectable symptoms. However, proper medical examination will show abnormal production of steroid hormones. Among the most common abnormalities include the overproduction of cortisol, which is a type of steroid hormone that is involved in nenergy balance and stress responses. Quite rarely, adenomas may trigger bleeding and cause pain in the patient's back or flank.
Adenoma of the adrenal gland Treatment
Treatment for functioning adrenal adenoma involves the removal of the affected gland through surgery. There are some medical facilities that uses laparoscopic adrenalectomy, although this type of surgical approach is still not well-establised to be better than the standard surgery.