- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Adrenal glands are located directly above the kidneys and produce very important hormones called cortisol, aldosterone and epinephrine, that are necessary for proper bodily function. A mass on the adrenal gland may impact this production. Adrenal masses can be benign (non cancerous), malignant (cancerous) and/or functioning (producing excess hormones).
The symptoms and treatment for an adrenal mass will depend on the type of mass and its effect on the body. Often these masses are found incidentally on imaging studies performed for another reason. If after a full evaluation, the mass is determined with high probability to be benign and not interfering with hormone production, it can often be safely observed over time.
The symptoms associated with an adrenal mass are typically caused by the excess hormone production. Here are some of the potential symptoms:
An adrenal mass is typically found on and may be further evaluated by imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs and PET scans.
Blood and urine will generally be collected and tested for the hormones produced by the adrenal gland. This will determine if the adrenal mass is over producing any of the hormones.
Sometimes a biopsy of the mass may be recommended to determine whether the mass is cancerous or non-cancerous.
In cases of suspicious cancerous mass(es) and/or functioning adrenal mass(es), surgical intervention will likely be recommended. Surgery is an effective treatment for small adrenal mass(es).
Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may also be recommended if the cancer is more advanced.
An endocrinologist may also be consulted to assist in managing adrenal hormone levels.
Adrenal cancer is fortunately fairly uncommon, however, non-cancerous adrenal mass(es) are quite common and are usually non functioning (do not over produce adrenal hormones).
In cases where the mass is not impacting adrenal function and is not suspicious for cancer, the mass may not need to be removed. However, some masses may need to be closely observed for size or hormonal changes.
In cases where the adrenal mass is affecting hormone production and/or is suspicious for cancer, removal may be the best option.
Your body has two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. The body can function with only one functioning adrenal gland. In situations where the remaining adrenal gland is unable to produce adequate levels of hormones for proper bodily function, hormone replacement therapy may be necessary.
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