According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the adrenal glands are part of the body's hormone secretion system and there is one situated at the top of each of the kidneys. The central core of the adrenal gland is called the medulla, and the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline come from this area. The outer part is called the adrenal cortex, and it produces a variety of hormones: cortisol, which controls your metabolism; corticosterone, which controls inflammatory responses in the body and influences your immune system; and aldosterone, which regulates blood volume and blood pressure.
Adrenal Gland Tumor
Sometimes the cells of the adrenal gland become abnormal and grow uncontrollably to produce either benign or malignant tumors, says the American Society of Clinical Oncology. These tumors are called functioning tumors if they cause the adrenal gland to generate too much of the hormones it supplies to the body. A nonfunctioning tumor does not cause hormone production.
Adenoma is the most frequently occurring adrenal gland tumor. It is a benign, nonfunctioning tumor that usually has no symptoms, and if it remains small it does not need treatment. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, adrenocortical carcinoma is the most common type of malignant adrenal gland tumor, and it starts in the adrenal cortex. It can be a functioning or nonfunctioning tumor. Pheochromocytoma is a malignant tumor that begins in the adrenal medulla. It is a serious condition because it elevates the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, the hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate. Treatment for adrenal gland tumors may involve surgical removal, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Addison's Disease
According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones the body needs to function properly. If this condition stems from damage to the adrenal glands it is called Addison's disease, and the end result is that the body does not have enough cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms of Addison's disease include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, hypoglycemia, and low blood pressure that drops when you stand so that you feel dizzy. These signs reflect the role of cortisol and aldosterone in the regulation of metabolism, blood glucose and blood pressure. Treatment involves taking prescription glucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone, prednisone and dexamethasone to replace the lost cortisol. Fludrocortisone acetate is taken orally for replacement of aldosterone.
Cushing's Syndrome
The Mayo Clinic describes Cushing's syndrome as a condition that is brought about by prolonged high blood levels of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms include weight gain, fatty hump between the shoulders, increased facial and body hair, new or worsened high blood pressure, and glucose intolerance that may result in diabetes. A person can develop Cushing's syndrome if he takes high doses of corticosteroid medications such as prednisone and dexamethasone for a long time, says the Mayo Clinic. The condition can also occur because adrenal tumors are causing the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Treatment involves lowering the dose of the corticosteroid medication or surgical removal of the adrenal tumor.
