As discussed in brevity earlier, one of the trickiest aspects of adrenal tumor (adrenal adenoma) is the fact that many of its symptoms are either latent or nonspecific in nature. This is the reason that it may be definitively diagnose this condition without medical imaging. In fact, this may also be a contributing factor to why it may indeed be more common than thought; its symptoms are often confused with other illnesses.
It is important here to emphasise avoiding the proclivity to examine one or two symptoms and draw an assumption that adrenal adenoma is the root cause. Normally, a doctor will have a battery of tests including blood work and various scans to conclusively determine as to whether adrenal adenoma may be present. Also, do not forget that should any symptoms arise, it will be usually due from a benign as opposed to a malignant tumor. So, let us examine some of the most common symptoms that are considered less-than-specific and yet are quite common for those who suffer from this condition.
The classification of symptoms will be presented in the form of a checklist. This will allow them to be easily viewed and should an adrenal adenoma be suspected, each symptom can be highlighted. This text can thereafter be printed and it can be presented to a doctor for his or her use in helping to determine treatment options and if an adenoma is indeed present.
Some of the most common and nonspecific symptoms will include:
Obviously, these symptoms can also signal other abnormalities within the endocrine or immune system. Once again, we should also keep in mind that age is an extremely important factor to consider; particularly for men and women who are over sixty years old.
An additional feature of adrenal adenomas that makes them a bit more difficult to detect is that they may have a pronounced latency period. In other words, such symptoms will usually not develop over days or weeks, but will take rather months and even years to surface. Although this is normally the case, a sudden onset of these symptoms, especially is if they appear rather severe in nature, will require prompt medical attention. Although quite rare, there is always the possibility that what was once a benign tumor has become malignant.
When presented with such indicators, doctors will prescribe various tests to determine their cause. These are some of the most important and yet non-specific indicators that an adrenal adenoma may exist. Avoid self-diagnosis, as only medical professionals will be able to determine the pathology of these signs.