Top Health Tips on Spleen and Adrenal Surgery

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands of the patient do not produce sufficient amount of steroid hormones. It mostly affects the production of cortisol but in some cases, the production of aldosterone may also be reduced. At times, dysfunction of the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland can also cause adrenal insufficiency because the hormones produced by these two glands help in regulating the functions performed by hormones secreted by the adrenal gland. These steroid hormones play an important role in bodily functions such as metabolism, immunity development, salt/water balance, sexual development and others. So, when these hormones are not produced in adequate amount, the individual experiences specific problems and thus, treatment for adrenal insufficiency becomes necessary.

Causes: Adrenal insufficiency can be caused by many reasons. Sudden withdrawal of long-term corticosteroid therapy, adrenoleukodystrophy, stress in people who already suffer from chronic adrenal insufficiency, craniopharyngioma, and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome are responsible for adrenal insufficiency. In some cases, Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia also surface in the form of adrenal insufficiency.

Adrenal insufficiency can be categorized into three sections based on the ways through which they affect the adrenal gland and cause the low production of cortisol and other steroid hormones.

The first is adrenal dysgenesis in which the gland has not formed properly in the patient.
The second is impaired steroidogenesis in which the gland is not able to produce cortisol due to biochemical inefficiency
The third is adrenal destruction in which the gland gets damaged because of some disease.
Symptoms:

The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency manifest in the form of dehydration, weight loss, weakness, low blood pressure, muscle pain, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) vomiting, diarrhea, craving for salt or salty food, change in mood, kidney failure, and shock. These symptoms are a result of hormonal deficiency caused by adrenal insufficiency and if not taken seriously, they can affect the patient seriously.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Adrenal insufficiency can be diagnosed with the help of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, which examines the functioning of the adrenal gland. A CT scan of the adrenal gland can also detect structural abnormalities in it. An MRI scan of the pituitary gland is also recommended in some cases as this gland also plays a secondary role in adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can be treated by giving the patient hormonal therapy. The hormones are given in the form of medications. Since cortisol inadequacy is the primary effect of adrenal insufficiency, it is supplemented with the help of medicines such as hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone (Deltasone), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol) and dexamethasone (Decadron).

In cases of severe adrenal insufficiency, the patient is given intravenous fluids and intravenous steroids, which can give relief from the discomforting symptoms. Where the patient is found to be suffering from mineralocorticoid deficiency (low aldosterone), fludrocortisone acetate is given to balance the sodium and potassium imbalance. It should be remembered that the adrenal gland performs vital functions in the body and if it is deficient, then the body is bound to suffer. So, the patient should go for immediate diagnosis and follow the treatment therapy prescribed by the doctor.

Adrenal gland is an endocrinal gland located above the kidney which produces hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all the endocrine glands.

Here are the different types of adrenal gland disorders

1. Cushing's disease - This disorder occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The causes of this disease are intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. The symptoms are rise in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones.
2. Adrenal cancer - Presence of cancerous cells in the adrenal cortex leads to adrenal cancer. The symptoms of this disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
3. Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. The symptoms of this disorder are nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and muscle pain.
4. Pheochromocytomas - These are tumors that develop in the adrenal gland which causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamines. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating.
5. Conn's syndrome - This disorder occurs when the hormone aldosterone is produced in excess by the adrenal glands. The symptoms of this disorder are feeling excessively thirsty, muscle weakness and high blood pressure.

Adrenal gland is an endocrinal gland located above the kidney which produces hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all the endocrine glands.

Here are the different types of adrenal gland disorders

1. Cushing's disease - This disorder occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The causes of this disease are intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. The symptoms are rise in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones.
2. Adrenal cancer - Presence of cancerous cells in the adrenal cortex leads to adrenal cancer. The symptoms of this disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
3. Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. The symptoms of this disorder are nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and muscle pain.
4. Pheochromocytomas - These are tumors that develop in the adrenal gland which causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamines. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating.
5. Conn's syndrome - This disorder occurs when the hormone aldosterone is produced in excess by the adrenal glands. The symptoms of this disorder are feeling excessively thirsty, muscle weakness and high blood pressure.

Adrenal gland is an endocrinal gland located above the kidney which produces hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all the endocrine glands.

Here are the different types of adrenal gland disorders-

1. Cushing's disease - This disorder occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The causes of this disease are intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. The symptoms are rise in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones.
2. Adrenal cancer - Presence of cancerous cells in the adrenal cortex leads to adrenal cancer. The symptoms of this disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
3. Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. The symptoms of this disorder are nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and muscle pain.
4. Pheochromocytomas - These are tumors that develop in the adrenal gland which causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamines. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating.
5. Conn's syndrome - This disorder occurs when the hormone aldosterone is produced in excess by the adrenal glands. The symptoms of this disorder are feeling excessively thirsty, muscle weakness and high blood pressure.

Cancer can affect even small glands like the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are responsible for the production of hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. These glands are located above the kidneys and have two parts; the cortex and the medulla. Adrenal cancer generally affects the cortex of the adrenal glands. This type of cancerous tumour is rare and can be difficult to diagnose.

Most adrenal cancer symptoms are triggered by an excessive production of estrogen and androgen. Symptoms can also be caused by the pressure put on other organs by the tumour. Adrenal cancer symptoms are most easily noticeable in children as this is the stage where the body is changing and developing. Some of these symptoms are:

Facial hair growth
Excessive pubic and underarm hair
An enlarged penis or clitoris
Early onset of puberty in girls
Development of enlarged breasts in boys
Symptoms of adrenal cancer in adults includes:

Excessive weight gain in the abdomen and above the collar bone
High blood pressure
Irregular menstruation
Easy bruising
Depression
Frequent urge to urinate
Muscle cramps
Additionally, men with adrenal cancer that causes excessive estrogen production may notice an enlargement of breast tissue and tenderness in the area. Women suffering from excessive androgen production triggered by adrenal cancer may notice their voice deepening and facial hair growth. In most cases, adrenal cancer symptoms in women do not appear until the tumour presses on other organs. This includes symptoms like pain around the tumor, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and difficulty eating because of this feeling.

The cause of adrenal cancer has not yet been determined, but conditions such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis and multiple endocrine neoplasia can increase a person s risk of suffering from this disease. A thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history is required to diagnose this disease. The doctor will also need a blood test and urine test. Additional tests that may be required include:

Biopsy of the tumor
CT scan
MRI scan
PET scan
Adrenal angiography
Adrenal cancer can be cured if diagnosed in its early stages. There are three types of treatment for adrenal cancer; surgery to remove the adrenal gland, chemotherapy and radiation. However, adrenal cancer can recur and hence it is important to schedule and maintain regular check-ups with your doctor.

Small endocrine glands, which are located on top of each kidney are known as Adrenal glands. These Adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the Adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all endocrine glands.

Different types of Adrenal gland disorders are:



Cushing's disease: This disorder occurs when the Adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that Adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The cause of this disease is the intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. Its symptoms are increase in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones.
Adrenal cancer: Presence of cancerous cells in the Adrenal cortex leads to Adrenal cancer. Symptoms of the disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the Adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the Adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. Symptoms of this disorder are nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and muscle pain.
Pheochromocytoma - It is a tumor that develops in the adrenal gland and causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamine. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating.
Conn's syndrome - This disorder occurs when the hormone Aldosterone is produced in excess by the Adrenal glands. Symptoms of this disorder are feeling excessively thirsty, muscle weakness and high blood pressure.

Small endocrine glands, which are located on top of each kidney are known as Adrenal glands. These Adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the Adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all endocrine glands.

Different types of Adrenal gland disorders are:

Cushing's disease: This disorder occurs when the Adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that Adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The cause of this disease is the intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. Its symptoms are increase in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones.
Adrenal cancer: Presence of cancerous cells in the Adrenal cortex leads to Adrenal cancer. Symptoms of the disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the Adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the Adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. Symptoms of this disorder are nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and muscle pain.
Pheochromocytoma - It is a tumor that develops in the adrenal gland and causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamine. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating.
Conn's syndrome - This disorder occurs when the hormone Aldosterone is produced in excess by the Adrenal glands. Symptoms of this disorder are feeling excessively thirsty, muscle weakness and high blood pressure.

What is adrenal gland tumour? Let's answer this question by first knowing the meaning of what a tumour is.

When many tissues grow in the body, some tissues start to grow abnormally and it forms a clot thing in the blood. These clots do not allow the body to function properly and hence, it is called a tumour.

Adrenal gland tumour is the type of tumour when some tissues join together and grow abnormally in the adrenal parts of the endocrine system. It forms a cyst there hence resulting in the swelling of that body part and is called as adrenal gland tumour. This tumour can be cancerous or maybe non-cancerous, depending on the functioning of the cells.

Adrenal glands are an important part of the body. These glands are present on the top of our kidney and are in triangular shape. It releases all kinds of hormones which are important for the metabolism of the human body. These hormones help the human body in many ways.

Causes of Adrenal Gland Tumour:

One of the main causes of adrenal gland tumour is the normal behaviour of any tumour. The tumour grows in the body and does not allow other organs to work properly, which results in many problems inside the body.

The tumour grows and grows and becomes a regular part of metabolism. It suppresses the other glands by not letting them do their work and obviously forming a cyst.

The other reason of these kinds of tumours can be that they release hormones which affect the body and may also result in cancer. These hormones are generally the androgens and estrogens which result in the early growth of many people.

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Tumour:

People experience many symptoms before they get diagnosed with this tumour. These symptoms are clearly visible and one should take care of all the symptoms. If a person notices any of the symptoms, they should be directly admitted to the hospital.

The symptoms which are visible in a person having adrenal gland tumour are:

They might experience high blood pressure with a low potassium level.

They may experience heart palpitations, anxiety, or panic attacks.

The major signs are that they may experience abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, or weight gain.

Other symptoms include abdominal stretch marks, excessive hair growth, changes in their genitalia, unusual acne, and also changes in libido.

Treatment for Adrenal Gland Tumour:

The adrenal gland tumour is mainly treated by surgery. The surgery is done by a specialist called endocrine surgeons. The surgery not only consists of many steps performed together by multidisciplinary team. They do the surgery and remove the cyst out of the body and also ensure that it does not return.

The surgery is known as Adrenalectomy, which removes a tumour from the adrenal gland. There is a team of endocrine surgeons who have come together to clear this tumour from the body.

Conclusion:

The adrenal gland tumour should be detected at an early stage so that it can be treated properly and cured at the right time. However, it is always advisable to consult the doctor or specialist before opting for any treatment or medicines.

Small endocrine glands, which are located on top of each kidney are known as Adrenal glands. These Adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the Adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all endocrine glands.

Different types of Adrenal gland disorders are:

Cushing's disease: This disorder occurs when the Adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that Adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The cause of this disease is the intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. Its symptoms are increase in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones.
Adrenal cancer: Presence of cancerous cells in the Adrenal cortex leads to Adrenal cancer. Symptoms of the disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the Adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the Adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. Symptoms of this disorder are nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and muscle pain.
Pheochromocytoma - It is a tumor that develops in the adrenal gland and causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamine. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating.
Conn's syndrome - This disorder occurs when the hormone Aldosterone is produced in excess by the Adrenal glands. Symptoms of this disorder are feeling excessively thirsty, muscle weakness and high blood pressure.

Adrenal cancer is a rare and aggressive disease that causes abnormal cell growth inside the adrenal cortex. This cancer usually appears as tumors at the outermost layer of the adrenal glands and gradually develops cancerous cells. In the majority of the cases, adrenal cancer is diagnosed only after it has been growing for several years.

Symptoms
While most of the adrenal cancer patients have the common symptoms, often some people feel just fine, unless until their doctors find the presence of cancerous cells in the adrenal cortex through CT scan. Generally, the symptoms of this life-threatening disease depend on three factors, which are:

The particular type of overproduced hormone
The tumor producing hormones excessively
And, type of the tumor
However, it is the overproduction of particular hormones, that makes the majority of the symptoms visible. Below are the common symptoms of adrenal cancer, depending on hormone types that are overproduced during the presence of this disease.

Symptoms of cortisol overproduction
When the presence of adrenal cancer leads to excess production of the cortisol hormone, people start experiencing different types of symptoms. The accumulation of fat behind the shoulders and neck, gradual weight gain in the stomach and chest portions irregular periods, and hair growth on the chest, face and back (in women) are the most prominent ones. One can also suffer from depression, weakness in legs, and easy bruising as other signs of cortisol overproduction.

Symptoms of aldosterone overproduction
As a result of the overproduction of the aldosterone hormone, people generally have feelings of excessive thirst, feelings of tiredness and weakness and sometimes high blood pressure. The desire of urinating frequently and painful muscle cramps too become evident due to the excessive production of aldosterone.

Symptoms of testosterone overproduction
When as a result of malignant tumors in the adrenal cortex the production of the testosterone hormone goes to higher than normal levels, it is considered to be overproduction. The voice becoming deeper, excessive invasion of acnes, irregular periods become prominently visible symptoms of this kind of adrenal cancer. Even, excessive growth of body hair or the facial hair and heightened muscle mass are some of its common symptoms.

Symptoms of estrogen overproduction
The growth of the breast in males and the early puberty in females are the most common symptoms of adrenal cancer where the malignant tumors overly produce estrogen hormone. Even decreased sex drive or impotence in males can be considered as its other serious symptoms.

Apart from the above mentioned adrenal cancer symptoms, in some cases, the adrenal tumors become so big that they start pressing the nearby organs which leads to signs of abdominal pain or feelings of fullness in the belly. The moment one identifies having any one of the signs discussed here, he or she should look for medical attention immediately.