A tumor that is overproducing catecholamines (also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine adrenaline) is called a pheochromocytoma. A tumor that is overproducing aldosterone causes primary hyperaldosteronism also known as an aldosteronoma or Conn's tumor. A tumor that is overproducing cortisol causes Cushing’s syndrome or subclinical Cushing’s syndrome. That means they are functional as intended to produce hormones- but they just produce too much of the hormone. overproducing hormones.Ī functional adrenal tumor producing excess aldosterone causing Conn's Syndrome.įunctional Adrenal Tumors are Common and Produe Too Much Hormones Making You SickĪdrenal tumors that produce hormones are called 'functional' adrenal tumors. It is called a functional tumor because it is overfunctioning, i.e. A tumor that is overproducing any of these hormones is called a 'functional' (or endocrine active) tumor. These hormones are aldosterone, cortisol and catecholamines (also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine adrenaline), and, more rarely, sex-steroid hormones (androgens and estrogens).

When you have a tumor of the adrenal gland, the first thing you need to figure out is whether it’s overproducing any adrenal hormones. The most common adrenal problems are the developement of benign, non-cancerous tumors inside the adrenal gland. Cushing Syndrome: Primary HypercortisolismĪdrenal tumors are common, occuring in 2-3% of adults in their lifetime.Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome Tumors).Conn's Syndrome: Primary Hyperaldosteronism.

Adrenaline issues