Adrenal Glands Tumour Symptoms And Test

The adrenal glands are triangular shaped glands situated on top of the kidneys, measuring one-half inch in height and 3 inches in length. Structurally each gland consists of a medulla (the center of the gland), which is surrounded by the cortex.

Adrenal medulla - produces epinephrine and nor epinephrine (adrenaline) * Adrenal cortex - produces cortisol (glucocorticoid), androgen and aldosterone

Phaeochromocytoma – Adrenal Gland Tumour

What is Phaeochromocytoma?

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the adrenal glands where the abnormal cells produce too much of Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline.

What are the symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma adrenal gland tumour?

Symptoms of adrenal gland tumour are intermittent and may vary from once a month to several times a day with duration from seconds to hours. With time they tend to get more frequent and more severe. There are a number of symptoms that may present but the first 4 are in bold as they are almost invariably present:

1.Headache
2.Nausea
3.Profuse sweating
4.Weakness
5.Palpitations
6.Anxiety
7.Tremor
8.Sense of doom

What are the necessary investigations?

1. 24 hr urine for VMA The catecholamine hormones are difficult to assay in blood and comes in pulses. That is why 24 hour urine is the best screening test. Sometimes it is requested 2-3 times.

How is adrenal gland tumour Test is performed :

1.A 24-hour urine sample is needed. On waking up urinate in the morning and do not collect it. Your time starts now.
2.Keep it in a cool place during the collection period.
3.Collect all subsequent urine (in the special container) throughout the day and night.
4.Next day at the same time urinate into the container. This completes your collection.
5.Cap the container& return it as instructed.