How are Adrenal Gland Disorders clinically diagnosed? How do you tell when you have Adrenal Cancer?

TX Hospitals Hyderabad expert Doctors give you a complete overview of Adrenal Cancer. As our TX Hospital’s expert doctors say Adrenal glands produce various hormones. Too much or too little hormone production causes adrenal gland disorders.

The adrenal glands are small triangular hat-shaped endocrine organs weighing about 4-6 grams, present above each of the kidneys. They are also known as suprarenal glands (supra=above, renal=kidneys).

What do adrenal glands do?

Adrenal glands are a part of the endocrine system. They secrete essential hormones in the body, directly into the blood. Each adrenal gland has two regions, namely the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal cortex and medulla carry out different functions of the body through their ability to produce various hormones. Table1 contains the role of these hormones. The pituitary gland or the master gland in the endocrine system regulates the functioning of the adrenal gland. In simple terms, the pituitary glands provide ‘direction’ of what has to be done by the adrenal gland.

What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?

Although each condition may have its unique symptoms, the common adrenal disorder symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Excessive tiredness
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased salt cravings
• Low blood sugar
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular periods in females
• Dark patches on your skin
• Muscle and joint pain
• Loss of appetite

How to treat adrenal cancer?

Treatment of adrenal cancer usually includes any one or more of the following:

Surgery:

The type of surgery is decided upon the size of the tumor and also where cancer has spread. For example, Adrenalectomy is a surgery to remove the entire adrenal gland. It is preferred when the cancer is localized in an adrenal gland.

Supportive medications:

These medications are usually prescribed to control symptoms occurring as a result of too much hormone production or low hormone production post-surgery.

Chemotherapy:

Usually used in patients, where cancer cannot be removed with surgery. It is also given in addition to surgery in some patients

Radiotherapy:

External beam radiation therapy may be given after surgery in some, to reduce the risk of cancer coming.