Adrenal tumor (patient information)
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Overview of adrenal tumor?
The adrenals site above each of the kidneys. It is made up of outer part called cortex and the inner portion called medulla. The function of the cortex is to make steroids for the body. Adrenal tumor includes benign and malignant. Usual adrenal tumor include adrenocortical adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma. Every disease has different symptoms. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of them.
Adrenocortical adenoma
Adrenocortical adenoma is the most common type of adrenal gland tumor. The cause is not clear. Current studies show that the pathogenesis is related with some genes mutations. Some adrenocortical adenoma is a nonfunctioning tumor. Some may produce steroid hormones such as glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and/or sex steroids, resulting in endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, virilization of females or feminization of males. Usual symptoms include weight gain,fat deposits behind the neck and shoulders, hair growth on the face, chest, and back in women, depression or moodiness, high blood pressure, muscle cramps, increased thirst, urinating very often, etc. Adrenocortical adenoma can be detected by computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hormone detection. Nonfunctioning tumor dose not require any treatment. As functioning tumor is concerned, treatment include adrenalectomy. In general, the outlook of adrenocortical adenoma is good.
Adrenocortical carcinoma
Neuroblastoma
Pheochromocytoma
Copyleft Sources
http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Adrenal+Gland+Tumor
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1x_What_Is_Adrenal_Cancer.asp?sitearea=