Adrenal Gland Mass

[pme47634]

I am hoping someone can help me here! I have been having serious issues with shortness of breath, fast heart rate, and stuff now for about 2 years.....I just found out today after having a CT of my chest that I have a 4.1cm well-circumsized low dense mass involving the left adrenal gland, and now I am freaking out. What does this mean?

[pme47634]

So I got the results of my scan back just now, and the nurse said it is adrenal adenoma, and I need to have it rescanned again in 4 months to make sure it is stable. However, I am not comfortable with that, because something is seriously wrong with me. I feel terrible, and my symptoms have been worsening for a while. I go to the Dr. on Monday to make sure my pneumonia is gone, and I plan on talking to her about this. I am just surprised that she does not want to do any urine or blood tests, and if she doesn't order any after I see her on Monday, I am going to look for an endocrinologist to take me. I want this tumor taken out because I know it's what is causing all my symptoms.

[rumpled]

The scan is one thing - but I agree - they at least need to do a 24 hour cortisol, ACTH etc. and see if the adenoma is active. That whole watch and wait thing is... icky.

[pme47634]

Well, here is what my scan results actually say, and I hope someone can help me interpret this....Enhanced images were obtained according to adrenal mass protocol. There is a clearly demarcated oval lesion in the left adrenal gland measuring approximately 4 cm in greatest diameter. Average density within the lesion measures approximately 10-11 Hounsfield units which is considered borderline for a high lipid adenoma (typically 10 Hounsfield units or less) Following administration of contrast images were obtained in addition to 10 minute delayed enhanced images. There is greater than 50 percent washout which also favors a benign adenoma. No other significant findings are noted.

Impression
1. 4 cm adrenal mass. Imaging characteristics favor a benign adenoma. Approximately 3-4 month followup is recommended to assess stability, However,
2. not mentioned in the body of the report is a small left renal cyst.

What does all of this mean?

[rumpled]

It means it is not cancer - but they have NOT ruled out hormone secreting in my tiny little mind - that has to be done with testing. Please go find a neuro-endo in a pituitary center and get some testing under your belt.

[pme47634]

So my Dr. did some more testing, and I am still waiting for most of the results....however, they did call yesterday to tell me that my aldosterone level is low, thyroid tests came back ok, but they are still waiting for the 24 hour urine results, and I guess that will determine the next step. My question is what does the aldosterone level being low have to do with the tumor on my left adrenal gland?

[rumpled]

Hypoaldosteronism is not typical. Is your potassium and sodium normal? What was the 24 hour urine test for? Cortisol? So they are looking for Cushing's or Addison's. Finally.

If your Aldosterone is low, renin is low and cortisol is high - that points to Cushing's syndrome.