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Aldosterone-producing adenoma

An aldosterone-producing adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumour that develops in an adrenal gland, which is a small hormone-producing gland located on top of each kidney. In most cases, individuals develop a single tumour in one of the adrenal glands. The adrenal tumour produces too much of the hormone aldosterone, which is a condition known as primary hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone helps regulate the body's fluid levels and blood pressure by controlling the amount of salt retained by the kidneys. Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain more salt than normal, which increases the body's fluid levels and blood pressure. People with an aldosterone-producing adenoma may develop severe high blood pressure (hypertension), and they have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or an irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation).

Description

An aldosterone-producing adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumour that develops in an adrenal gland, which is a small hormone-producing gland located on top of each kidney. In most cases, individuals develop a single tumour in one of the adrenal glands. The adrenal tumour produces too much of the hormone aldosterone, which is a condition known as primary hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone helps regulate the body's fluid levels and blood pressure by controlling the amount of salt retained by the kidneys. Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain more salt than normal, which increases the body's fluid levels and blood pressure. People with an aldosterone-producing adenoma may develop severe high blood pressure (hypertension), and they have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or an irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation).

Inheritance patterns

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Not inherited. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Other names

Aldosterone-secreting adenoma

Aldosteronoma

Conn adenoma

Primary aldosteronism due to Conn adenoma

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Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 1 Feb 2023 | Latest version
  • 1 Jul 2017 | Originally published

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