What Are Adrenal Diseases?

Adrenal diseases are diseases of the adrenal gland. These diseases, as the name suggests, are diseases that occur on the kidneys. The adrenal glands work with the control of the pituitary gland. Cortisol and catecholamine hormones are released from the adrenal glands. The secretion of adrenaline hormones that cause sudden movements in the body depends on the adrenal glands. Excessive secretion of these hormones causes high blood pressure diseases such as pheochromocytoma. Excessive secretion of cortisol hormone causes weight problems of the patient. It causes undesirable conditions such as overweight, high blood pressure, unwanted and excessive hair growth, deterioration of reproductive functions, and Cushing's syndrome.

The absence of both of the adrenal glands or their loss due to a disease leads to fatal events that cannot sustain life. The excess of the hormones secreted in these glands causes high blood pressure, and their deficiency causes adrenal insufficiency called Addison's insufficiency. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the adrenal gland functions in diseases associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, which are examined in the metabolic concept in people with excess weight. If a problem is encountered in adrenal diseases, it is vital to try to treat it by revealing it.

Since imaging methods are frequently used, large and small masses are encountered in the adrenal gland on tomography or MRI. These cases are called incidental adrenal masses. When this mass is encountered, the first thing to do is to check whether this mass secretes hormones or not. The hormone secretion of the mass is checked by looking at the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. If this mass does not secrete hormones, the only thing to be done is to monitor the condition of this mass at regular intervals. The patient is followed up on an annual basis. If the hormone is secreted, it must be surgically removed immediately, regardless of its diameter. In today's surgery, not only the mass but also the entire adrenal gland is removed in the masses formed due to adrenal diseases. Mass 4cm. If it is in size or above this size, it is necessary to undergo surgery urgently, as there is a high risk of cancer. After the operation, the patient can return to his normal life with routine controls. A regular check-up every 2 years is considered sufficient for this post-operative period.