What does it mean when your adrenal glands are swollen?
What does it mean when your adrenal glands are swollen?
Hyperaldosteronism: This condition is caused by a small tumor in the adrenal gland that makes too much aldosterone or an enlargement (hyperplasia) of the adrenal glands. A high level of aldosterone plays a part in the body’s salt and potassium balance, and may cause high blood pressure.
What is the function of the adrenal gland?
Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions. Adrenal glands are composed of two parts — the cortex and the medulla — which are each responsible for producing different hormones.
Can you feel a tumor on your adrenal gland?
Symptoms caused by a large adrenal cancer pressing on nearby organs. As an adrenal cancer grows, it presses on nearby organs and tissues. This may cause pain near the tumor, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, or trouble eating because of a feeling of filling up easily.
Is adrenal tumor curable?
Prognosis depends on the tumor’s location and size, and whether cancer has spread beyond the adrenal glands. The prognosis is better in people who are younger or when the tumor is small. In some cases, completely removing the tumor with surgery can cure cancer.
What happens if your adrenal glands are not working properly?
With adrenal insufficiency, the inability to increase cortisol production with stress can lead to an addisonian crisis. An addisonian crisis is a life-threatening situation that results in low blood pressure, low blood levels of sugar and high blood levels of potassium. You will need immediate medical care.
Does a CT scan show adrenal glands?
CT Scans (CAT Scans) to Evaluate Adrenal Tumors and Growths. The CT scan (also called CAT scan) is very accurate at examining the adrenal glands and other abdominal structures and can be used on any type of adrenal tumor. Like the other 3 tests in this group, the CT scan is painless.