Adrenal Medulla Disease

Diseases of the adrenal medulla may affect production of body-regulating hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline, norepinephrine, noradrenaline and dopamine. In some disorders, hormone production is slowed, and in others it is increased dramatically.

Discovery

• Due to the number of hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands and their differing effects on the human body, an adrenal disorder may present itself with many different symptoms. Some adrenal diseases may go unnoticed by the patient, but others may manifest as fatigue. People with adrenal medulla disease may have pain in the mid- to lower back.

Disorders

• Most adrenal disorders occur in the cortex or exterior of the adrenal gland but may cause problems within the medulla. Growths on the cortex may interfere with hormone production within the medulla.

Tumors

• Adrenal gland tumors are the most common disease affecting the adrenal medulla. Tumors can begin in the medulla or in the cortex, which can inhibit the production of hormones or cause production to spike

Treatment

• Suspected tumors in the adrenal glands are generally found using MRI or CAT scans. On smaller tumors, frequent scans may be done to determine the rate of growth of the tumor.

Removal

• Laparoscopic or open surgery may be done to remove the gland if tumors are more than 4 cm in length.