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Pediatric Adrenal Masses
An adrenal mass is a tumor inside an adrenal gland. Some adrenal masses are cancerous (malignant); others are noncancerous (benign).
What are Pediatric Adrenal Masses?
The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. Their job is to produce and secrete several hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, estrogen). Adrenal masses can cause an increase in the level of hormones that are released.
The exact cause of adrenal masses is unknown. As with all types of tumors, they manifest as a growth of abnormal cells that multiply rapidly.
Certain inherited genetic conditions may put children at risk for adrenal masses:
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (Type 1 MEN)
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Adrenal Masses?
Many children with adrenal masses will not experience any symptoms; in fact, many adrenal masses are discovered during diagnostic testing for other clinical conditions that are unrelated to adrenal disease. For those who do experience symptoms, those symptoms are often related to an excess production of hormones. Symptoms will vary from child to child, but may include:
- Anxiety
- Excess body hair
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue or weakness
- Frequent urination
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Unusual acne
- Weight gain or weight loss
How are Pediatric Adrenal Masses diagnosed?
There are several methods that are used for diagnosing adrenal masses. Your child’s doctor may use a combination of these methods:
How is Pediatric Adrenal Masses treated?
- Surgery
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Pediatric Adrenal Masses Doctors and Providers
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Perrin White, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Soumya Adhikari, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Abha Choudhary, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Melissa Ham, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Muniza Mogri, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Sudha Mootha, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Nivedita Patni, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Amanda Shaw, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Ming Yang, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist -
Huay-Lin Lo, MD Pediatric Endocrinologist