Adrenal Disorders

Adrenal disease occurs when there is an overproduction of any of the adrenal hormones or when a tumor (either cancerous or benign) grows within the adrenal gland. It is believed that genetic abnormalities may predispose some people to certain adrenal tumors, but the majority of these tumors have no known cause.

Detection, Screening and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of adrenal disease can profoundly improve a patient's quality of life and also decrease or eliminate its negative effects on the rest of the body. The Adrenal Center has developed a streamlined, comprehensive method for screening and diagnosing patients. We have extensive radiologic and endovascular expertise that allows us to pinpoint the location of tumors.

If a patient has a family history of adrenal disease or certain other disorders, our genetic counselors will help to analyze the risk of other family members getting the disease. If the patient learns that there is a significant genetic risk, the counselor provides guidance and testing regimens for the entire family.

The Adrenal Glands and Their Functions

The adrenal glands are small glands located in the back of the abdomen immediately above the kidneys (ad meaning above and renal meaning kidneys). Comprised of an outer cortex and inner medulla, the adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are essential to maintaining the normal function of the body.

The adrenal cortex, or outer portion of the adrenal gland has three layers, each producing a unique hormone:

1. zona glomerulosa, the outermost layer, produces aldosterone
2. zona fasciculata, the middle layer, produces the steroid cortisol
3. zona reticularis, the inner layer, produces sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and also contributes to cortisol production

The adrenal medulla, or inner portion of the adrenal gland, produces a group of hormones collectively referred to as catecholamines, including the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are essential to the 'fight or flight' function of the nervous system and are better known as adrenaline.

The adrenal glands have a rich arterial blood supply arising from small vessels from the phrenic and renal arteries as well as from the aorta. The right adrenal gland has a single vein that drains directly into the inferior vena cava whereas the left adrenal vein drains directly into the left renal vein. On the left side, the inferior phrenic vein often joins the adrenal vein.