function of adrenal glands in urinary system

This algorithm is quite simplified and every adrenal tumor must be evaluated on a case-by-case system. The following flow sheet algorithm is used for managing adrenal tumors: Urine and blood tests are most useful for its diagnosis. Aldosteronoma: can produce high blood pressure and decreased levels of potassium.Urine and blood tests will show elevated levels of cortisol. Cushing’s Disease: can produce weight gain, lethargy (tiredness), humping of the shoulder, blue streaks on the abdomen, acne, and facial hair.An MRI scan and urine tests for adrenaline and similar hormones are the best studies to diagnose a pheochromcytoma. Approximately 10% of pheochromocytomas are malignant, meaning that they can spread to other parts of the body (a process known as metastasis).

Pheochromocytoma: can produce high blood pressure (hypertension), a fast heart rate (tachycardia), flushing, and sweating.

Many of these, however, can produce hormones that cause medical and physical ailments. Most adrenal tumors are benign – meaning that they do not spread to other parts of the bodies. The more fat in the lesion on MRI or CT imaging, the more likely the tumor is benign (not cancer). These X-ray studies are evaluated for the presence of fat. Most important is either an MRI scan or CT scan of the abdomen. Specific physical findings, blood tests, urine tests, and X-ray studies are crucial to the diagnosis of an adrenal mass.

Acne and facial hair breast development.

Weight gain, lethargy (tiredness), humping of the shoulder, blue streaks on the abdomen.

High blood pressure (hypertension), fast heart rate (tachycardia), flushing, and sweating.

The symptoms of adrenal tumors can include any of the following: Another cause of adrenal tumors is from the spread (metastasis) from another cancer (such as breast, kidney, and thyroid). Others are discovered because patients have the signs and symptoms of “hormone overload” – excessive amounts of normal hormones that result in a variety of symptoms. Many are discovered incidentally – meaning that they are found by chance during radiologic studies obtained for an unrelated medical condition. These hormones help regulate blood pressure, kidney function, stress responses, and some sexual functions.Īdrenal cancer is extremely rare. The adrenal glands produce steroids and other hormones that humans use for regular bodily functions. They are located in the back of the abdomen, just above the kidneys. Most people are born with two adrenal glands.

Function of adrenal glands in urinary system