The adrenal glands, two small triangle-shaped glands, reside just above each kidney. The adrenal glands consist of two sections: the outer portion known as the adrenal cortex, and the inner portion known as the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, aldosterone and corticosteroids including cortisol. The adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. The formation of tumors in the adrenal glands or the pituitary glands can increase the output of adrenal hormones.
Pituitary Tumor
The pituitary gland, often referred to as the master endocrine gland, produces hormones that affect cells directly but also produces hormones that regulate the production and release of other hormones in the body. One hormone produced by the pituitary gland, adrenocorticotropic hormone, stimulates the adrenal cortex. A functioning pituitary tumor can cause the pituitary to produce too much adrenocorticotropic hormone which stimulates the adrenal glands to increase the output of cortisol. Increased cortisol production, known as Cushing's syndrome, causes the characteristic symptoms of a flushed round face and the formation of a hump on the neck. Other symptoms include severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, irritability, anxiety and depression, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service.
Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma describes a rare tumor that forms on the adrenal medulla. Although usually benign, meaning it grows slowly and fails to invade nearby tissues, it increases the production of hormones leading to many symptoms. Because a pheochromocytoma increases the output of adrenaline and noradrenaline, it causes high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, strong heart muscle contractions, profound sweating, abdominal pain, anxiety and weight loss. Causes of pheochromocytoma remain unknown, but if left undetected or untreated, it can become life-threatening, according to MayoClinic.com. The continued high blood pressure caused by pheochromocytoma can result in heart failure--the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to the body, stroke, kidney failure and premature death.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare type of tumor that forms in the adrenal cortex, affects two in every one million people, according to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Adrenocortical carcinoma can cause a increase in production of cortisol, resulting in the deposit of fat creating a hump on the neck, a flushed round face, weight gain and stunted growth. It can also increase the production of aldosterone causing weakness, muscle cramps, increased urination and thirst. An increased ouput of androgen hormones, especially in girls, can create male characteristics such as increased body hair, deepening of the voice and acne.
