Adrenal

Anatomy of the adrenal gland. There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. The outer part of each gland is the adrenal cortex and the inner part is the adrenal medulla.

A small gland that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important body functions. There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. Also called suprarenal gland.

When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have common signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease, such as:

  • Darkening areas of skin (hyperpigmentation)
  • Severe fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Salt cravings
  • Muscle or joint pains

Disease:

  • Benign
    • Incidentaloma, pheochromocytoma
  • Malignant
    • Adrenal carcinoma

Symptom:

  • Investigation
    • USG of KUB,
    • S. Creatinine,
    • Triphasic CT Scan of abdomen.

Treatment:

  • Benign
    • pheochromocytoma – medical/surgical
    • incidentaloma – surgery
  • Malignant
    • as per stages of diseases
    • surgery
    • Chemotherapy