A problem inside the adrenal gland could be caused by a disease or mass in or around the gland. Imaging tests often are needed to diagnose an adrenal mass properly. You may also be asked to give blood for a metabolic work-up, as these tests can isolate lower or higher levels of adrenal hormones. There are four major issues that can occur in adrenal gland disorders:

• Adrenal Cancer- This is a very rare cancer that affects 1 or 3 per 1 million people a year.
• Conn syndrome – is a rare health problem that occurs when the adrenal glands make too much aldosterone.
• Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a medical issue caused when the adrenal gland(s) makes too much cortisol. CS can be caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, but non-cancerous adrenal tumors can also cause it CS.
• Pheochromocytoma is an adrenaline secreting tumor found in the adrenal medulla.
• Others which are less prevalent.

Evaluation

The assessment of patients with adrenal disorder requires a delicate balance of biochemical analysis and imaging. This also may involve a 24-hour collection of urine. Many types of radiology tests are used including CT scans, MRIs, and nuclear medicine scans.

Treatment

When patients are diagnosed with an adrenal lesion that requires surgery, this is often possible via a minimally invasive approach. The name of this surgery is a laparoscopic (or robotic assisted) adrenalectomy ( rarely open).