Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. palau83/Getty Images A swollen lymph node can be a bit like your body’s version of a red flag: When one of these bean-shaped ... Medically reviewed by Sukaina Hasnie, MD Key Takeaways A lump behind the ear can be caused by swollen lymph nodes, which are common and usually harmless.Most lumps behind the ear are benign and can be ...

Understanding the Context

The body's lymphatic system is made up of lymph glands and ducts that connect them together. These glands and ducts run through the entire body. The glands protect the body by making a white blood ... Adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little hormone.

Key Insights

Adrenal gland function also can be affected by hormones produced by other glands in the body, such as the pituitary gland, or by hormones introduced from an outside source. At least nine different types of adrenal gland disorders exist, each with its own symptoms and possible treatments. The adrenal glands, located on the top of each kidney, are responsible for releasing different hormones. Adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little of these hormones. For hyperaldosteronism caused by an excessive growth of normal cells in both adrenal glands, the treatment involves medications that block the effect of aldosterone.

Final Thoughts

The treatment for hyperaldosteronism caused by a non-cancerous tumor in one adrenal gland is removing the affected gland using laparoscopic (pronounced la-puh-re-SKOP-ic) surgery. Adrenal gland disorders are caused by problems with one or both adrenal glands or by problems with other glands, such as the pituitary gland.Specific disorders can develop when the adrenal glands produce too few or too many hormones, or when too many hormones are introduced from an outside source.1 Adrenal Gland Tumors Most adrenal gland tumors—abnormal growths on the adrenal glands—are not cancerous. They often do not cause symptoms or require treatment. However, adrenal gland tumors can produce a variety of different hormones, leading hormone levels to get too high. Cushing's syndrome, by producing cortisol so that body levels get ...