Adrenal adenomas are benign tumors that originate in the cortex of the adrenal gland. The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing a variety of hormones that control various functions within the body. Usually, adrenal adenomas do not cause any symptoms, but in some cases they can cause an increase hormone production and cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, decreased fertility, low potassium levels and obesity. Understanding the possible causes of adrenal adenomas can help clinicians predict which patients may suffer from these tumors.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type I
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, or MEN-I, can be a cause of adrenal adenomas. MEN-I is a genetic disease that causes one or more endocrine glands form a tumor, reports the New York Times Health Guide. One possible organ that can be affected in MEN-I is the adrenal gland. This genetic disorder is linked to a defect in the RET gene. Without this gene multiple tumors can develop within endocrine glands. Treatment for this genetic disorder includes surgical removal of the diseased gland and hormone replacement therapy to replace the natural hormones normally produced by the removed gland.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Adrenal adenomas can be caused by Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, states the "Journal of Radiology" in the article "Adrenal tumors in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome." Beckwith-Wiedermann syndrome is a genetic disease that can typically causes large body size and large organs in patients. The syndrome has been linked to a defect in chromosome 11, according to MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Symptoms of this disease include abdominal wall birth defects, creases in the ear lobes, large tongue, low blood sugar levels, poor feeding in infants and seizures. Treatment is focused on reducing possible symptoms and regular monitoring for the development of tumors.
Carney Complex
The Carney complex, or CNC, is a genetic syndrome characterized by spotty skin pigmentation, overactive endocrine glands and myxomas, which are tumors in connective tissues, states the "Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases" in the article "Carney complex (CNC)." This genetic disease can cause adrenal adenomas if it affects the adrenal glands. Often the disease caused Cushing's syndrome, which is a disease caused by excess cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex. As the disease forces the adrenal gland to produce excess hormone, an adrenal adenoma may develop. The disease has been linked to defects on chromosome 11 and chromosome 2.
