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adrenal cortical adenoma

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

What is an Adrenal Cortical Adenoma?

An adrenal cortical adenoma, also known as an adrenal adenoma, is a type of benign (noncancerous) tumor that forms in the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal gland. It's the most common type of adrenal gland tumor.

Characteristics and Types

Adrenal cortical adenomas can be categorized into two main types:

  • Nonsecreting: These tumors do not produce hormones.
  • Functional: These tumors secrete hormones, which can lead to various symptoms depending on the hormone produced. For example:
    • In females: increased muscle mass (Herculean habitus), clitoromegaly, facial hair, deep voice, and pubic hair.
    • In males: penile enlargement.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of adrenal cortical adenomas is unknown, but they can be caused by genetic mutations. Symptoms may include:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure

Diagnosis and Treatment

Adrenal cortical adenomas are typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI. Treatment options depend on the size, location, and type of tumor, but may include surgery to remove the tumor.

References:

  • [1] Adrenal adenomas are benign neoplasms that originate from the adrenal cortex.
  • [2] Most adrenal cortical adenomas are nonsecreting, but some can be functional and secrete hormones.
  • [3] Females with adrenal cortical adenoma may experience increased muscle mass, clitoromegaly, facial hair, deep voice, and pubic hair.
  • [4] Males with adrenal cortical adenoma may experience penile enlargement.
  • [6] Adrenal cortical adenomas are benign neoplasms of the adrenal cortex that may or may not secrete hormones.

Additional Characteristics

  • symptoms
  • hormones
  • fatigue
  • high blood pressure
  • adrenal cortex
  • MRI
  • hormonal imbalances
  • CT scans
  • benign tumor
  • noncancerous
  • outer layer
  • most common type
  • nonsecreting
  • functional
  • weight gain or loss
  • surgery

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms

Adrenal cortical adenoma, a type of non-cancerous tumor in the adrenal gland, can cause various signs and symptoms. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Low potassium levels: This is often accompanied by muscle weakness, fatigue, and other related symptoms [1].
  • High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, this is a frequent symptom of adrenal cortical adenoma [2].
  • Headache: A headache can be a sign of an adrenal adenoma, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like high blood pressure or low potassium levels [3].
  • Weight gain: Some people with adrenal cortical adenoma may experience weight gain due to hormonal imbalances [4].
  • Easy bruising: This is another symptom that can occur in some cases of adrenal cortical adenoma, especially if the tumor secretes excess hormones [5].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs and symptoms of adrenal cortical adenoma include:

  • Muscle weakness: This can be a result of low potassium levels caused by the tumor [6].
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted is another symptom that some people with adrenal cortical adenoma may experience [7].
  • Excessive hair growth: In rare cases, an adrenal adenoma can cause excessive hair growth on the face and body, especially in women [8].

Variability of Symptoms

It's essential to note that symptoms of adrenal cortical adenoma can vary from person to person. Some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all, while others may have more severe or different symptoms [9].

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Adrenal Cortical Adenoma

Adrenal cortical adenoma, also known as benign adrenal tumors, can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the most common tests used to diagnose and rule out adrenal cortical adenoma:

  • Blood and Urine Tests: Blood and urine tests can help check for abnormal levels of hormones in the body, which may be produced by adrenal tumors [3][6]. These tests can detect high levels of catecholamines, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and other hormones that may be produced by adrenal adenomas.
  • Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans are used to visualize the adrenal glands and detect any tumors or abnormalities [7][8]. These tests can help determine the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor.
  • Blood Chemistry Tests: Blood chemistry tests can help check for abnormal levels of electrolytes, enzymes, and other substances in the blood that may be related to adrenal adenomas [6].
  • 24-hour Urine Test: A 24-hour urine test can help detect high levels of catecholamines and other hormones produced by adrenal adenomas [4].

It's worth noting that a combination of these tests is often used to diagnose and rule out adrenal cortical adenoma. The choice of tests may depend on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other factors.

References:

[3] Blood and Urine Tests ... Doctors may use blood or urine tests to check for abnormal levels of hormones in the body, which may be produced by adrenal tumors. [4] 24h Urine ... [6] Along with a physical exam, a healthcare professional runs blood and urine tests to see if the tumor is making too much hormone. The tests also ... [7] Dec 20, 2018 — The modalities of choice in the evaluation of an adrenal mass are computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission ... [8] May 10, 2024 — Along with a physical exam, a healthcare professional runs blood and urine tests to see if the tumor is making too much hormone. The tests also ...

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Imaging Tests
  • Blood and Urine Tests
  • Blood Chemistry Tests
  • 24-hour Urine Test

Treatment

Treatment Options for Adrenal Cortical Adenoma

Adrenal cortical adenomas are typically treated with surgery, but in some cases, drug treatment may be necessary to manage hormonal imbalances or other symptoms.

  • Surgical correction: The primary treatment approach for adrenal cortical adenomas is surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland (adrenalectomy). This often relieves symptoms related to functional adrenal tumors [1].
  • Hormonal management: For patients with hormonally active adrenal tumors, surgery may be followed by hormonal management using medications such as mitotane. Mitotane blocks hormone production by the adrenal gland and destroys both cancer and healthy tissue [4].
  • Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may be used to treat adrenal cortical adenomas, particularly if the tumor is malignant or has spread to

Recommended Medications

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Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of adrenal cortical adenoma includes several conditions that can be considered when diagnosing this type of tumor.

  • Adrenal pseudocyst, which is a rare condition where a cyst forms on the adrenal gland [6].
  • Pheochromocytoma, a type of tumor that secretes catecholamines and can cause high blood pressure [2][7].
  • Adrenocortical carcinoma, a malignant tumor that arises from the adrenal cortex [6].

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of adrenal cortical adenoma is not exhaustive, and other conditions may also be considered depending on the individual case.

Adrenal cortical adenoma is a common benign tumor arising from the cortex of the adrenal gland, commonly occurring in adults but can be found in persons of all ages [10]. It's essential to consider the differential diagnosis when diagnosing this type of tumor to ensure accurate treatment and management.

References: [2] May 2, 2008 — Differential diagnosis · adrenal cortical carcinoma · pheochromocytoma · adrenal metastasis · adrenal myelolipoma ... [6] The differential diagnosis of adrenocortical adenoma includes adrenal pseudocyst, pheochromocytoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. Rarely, adrenocortical ... [7] by CL Viëtor · 2021 · Cited by 21 — Differential diagnosis of an adrenal mass includes a wide spectrum in which adrenocortical hyperplasia, adrenocortical adenomas, myelolipoma, pheochromocytoma, ... [10] Mar 26, 2024 — Adrenal cortical adenoma is a common benign tumor arising from the cortex of the adrenal gland. It commonly occurs in adults, but it can be found in persons of ...

Additional Differential Diagnoses

Additional Information

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.