The adrenal glands are two small, walnut-shaped endocrine glands located above each kidney. Adrenal medulla tumors are typically found in the center of one or both adrenal glands, called the adrenal medulla. This type of tumor is rare, mostly benign, and often asymptomatic in the early stages. As the tumor progresses, symptoms can appear suddenly in episodes, occurring a few times a week or a few times a month. The symptoms of adrenal medulla tumors are similar to those of many other conditions, making diagnosis challenging.

High blood pressure can be persistent or episodic. Sudden increases in blood pressure related to adrenal medulla tumors are called paroxysmal hypertension, which can lead to immediate complications. Paroxysmal hypertension can cause systolic blood pressure to exceed 180 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to exceed 120 mm Hg. High blood pressure is accompanied by other signs such as nausea or vomiting, unintentional weight loss due to increased metabolism associated with chronic catecholamine release, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and numbness.

High blood pressure is the most common symptom, occurring frequently or a few times a month, lasting only a few minutes but sometimes for hours. Over time, the frequency, duration, and severity tend to increase. The risk of paroxysmal hypertension can be triggered by factors like changes in pressure that shift organs in the abdomen, strenuous exercise, trauma, or consuming foods rich in tyramine such as chocolate, red wine, and cheese.

Sweating (often profuse, drenching), severe headaches, palpitations or a feeling of a racing heart, shortness of breath, and tremors can also signal an adrenal medulla tumor. The tumor secretes large amounts of catecholamines, leading to typical symptoms including rapid heart rate and fear. In the early stages, adrenal medulla tumors may not cause any symptoms. These tumors are often discovered incidentally when patients undergo abdominal imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs.

Some less common symptoms include muscle cramps due to high blood calcium levels when the tumor releases a parathyroid hormone, and fever due to the release of the immune protein interleukin. Patients may experience weight gain and varicose veins when the tumor releases adrenal cortical hormones, resulting in flushed skin and an increased red blood cell count. When the adrenal medulla tumor releases large amounts of catecholamines into the bloodstream, patients are at risk of complications such as irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, myocarditis, and broken heart syndrome.

Anh Chi (Very Well Health)