A tumor occurs when cells grow abnormally and out of control, forming a mass. Any type of cell in the body can develop into a tumor. The adrenal glands, found just above the kidneys, produce hormones commonly referred to as the stress hormones. A tumor in the adrenal glands can affect the production of these hormones, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
Structure
Adrenal glands appear yellowish-orange in color and are only 2 1/2-by-1-inch long, according to the University of Southern California Department of Surgery. Each of the two adrenal glands actually consists of two glands fused together. The adrenal gland consists of the outer portion of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal cortex, and the inner portion, known as the adrenal medulla.
Hormones Produced
The adrenal medulla produces hormones classified as catecholmines, also known as the fight-or-flight hormones. These hormones, which include adrenaline, or epinephrine, and noradrenaline, or norepinephrine, cause the heart rate to increase, resulting in sweating and shakiness. The adrenal cortex produces hormones that affect how the body stores energy, the blood's salt and water level and body characteristics such as hairiness. This portion of the adrenal gland produces cortisol, a hormone that affects blood sugar, aldosterone, a hormone that stimulates the reabsorption of salt and water and some steroids that affect the sex organs.
Types
Adrenal gland tumors may present as benign, meaning they grow slowly and fail to invade any other tissues, or cancerous, also known as malignant, meaning they grow quickly and can spread to other tissues in the body. MedLine Plus and the National Institutes of Health report that most adrenal tumors are noncancerous. Both benign and cancerous tumors can cause health problems as the tumor may cause the gland to increase hormone production and secretion.
Tumors
Several types of cancerous or benign tumors can form in the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical carcinoma describes a rare type of cancer that forms in the adrenal cortex, according to the National Cancer Institute. Because this type of tumor develops in the adrenal cortex, it increases the level of cortisol, aldosterone and sex hormones such as estrogen. Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that begins in nerve tissue, most commonly affects the adrenal gland. Pheochromocytoma, a rare benign tumor, describes a tumor that develops in the adrenal medulla.
Symptoms
Symptoms of adrenal tumors depend upon the type of tumor and which hormones the tumor affects. Adrenocortical carcinoma affects the levels of cortisol and steroids, resulting in a fatty hump on the neck, a flush rounded face, obesity, stunted growth and masculine features, according to MedLine Plus. Tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as pheochromocytoma, produce high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, profound sweating, abdominal pain, anxiety and weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Small adrenal tumors may cause few symptoms, allowing doctors to observe the tumor without the need for specific treatment. Larger tumors, however, require treatment. Many of the symptoms caused by adrenal tumors can be treated with medications, such as beta blockers to lower blood pressure. The best way to treat all the symptoms is to remove the tumor either through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure or through open surgery.
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