An adrenal adenoma is a tumor growth of the glandular tissue within the adrenal glands, which are a pair of glands situated on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands normally produce and secrete a number of hormones, which can then travel in the bloodstream to promote a number of responses in the body. Abnormal growth of the glandular tissue within the adrenal glands can lead to the formation of a tumor, which can in turn cause a number of symptoms due to resulting hormone imbalances. Adrenal adenomas may develop due to a number of underlying conditions.
Carney's Complex
One possible cause of an adrenal adenoma is Carney's complex. Patients with Carney's complex most commonly develop abnormal growths on the skin, though some forms of Carney's complex lead to abnormal growth in the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal adenoma. An obvious symptom of Carney's complex is the development abnormal and extensive spotty growths on the skin, similar to a collection of dark moles. Patients with abnormal adrenal growths may also suffer from diminished adrenal functioning, leading to changes in secondary sex characteristics due to disruption of sex hormone levels. According to EndoText.org, Carney's complex is a genetic condition that develops due to mutations in the gene PPKAR1A, with a total of 117 mutations to the gene associated with Carney's complex. Parents with a history of Carney's complex may receive prenatal genetic testing for their offspring for early detection of the disease.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Another potential cause of adrenal adenoma development is multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 1, or MEN Type 1. MEN is an inherited disorder that leads to the formation of multiple tumors within endocrine glands, including the adrenal gland, as well as in parts of the small intestine, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Patients with MEN Type 1 commonly suffer from hyperactive hormone glands, leading to abnormally high blood hormone levels and hormone imbalances. Most cases of MEN Type 1 occur due to mutations to the gene MEN1, and patients can undergo genetic testing to help diagnose MEN Type 1. Patients with adrenal adenomas, as well as other tumors, may require treatment to protect against further hormone imbalances and prevent larger tumor growth.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Another potential cause of adrenal adenoma is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. MedlinePlus describes Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome as a growth disorder that causes abnormally large body parts as well as tumor growth. Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome often develop tumor growth early in life, leading to adrenal adenoma, as well as cancerous tumor growth in the kidneys. Children with the disease also commonly suffer from hypoglycemia, poor feeding habits and an abnormal separation of the abdominal muscles. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is linked to genetic mutations in a specific region of DNA, called chromosome 11, and patients with a family history of the disease may undergo genetic testing to help in early diagnosis and treatment. Following diagnosis, children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome must undergo regular monitoring to check for the development of adrenal and kidney tumors.
