Hello. I recently had a SPECT scan for an unrelated condition and it was reported that I have a 'mildly bulky' left adrenal gland. Is this something I should see my GP about? Many thanks for your help
What is a SPECT scan?
Good question. No sure exactly but like a CT scan - they were checking to see if I had something wrong with the facet joints in my spine.
Hi, I had a CT scan about 3 months ago for something else and it showed I had an adenoma in my left adrenal gland. The Dr also said it was lumpy. I need to have another CT scan 2/3 months time to see if it has grown and if it has I think It will have to be removed. Most of these are found on CT scans when looking for something else and apparently are quite rare. Are you having any symptoms? I get symptoms on and off.
Not sure what symptoms to look out for but I don't think so. I'm recovering from major spinal surgery so am naturally tired, achy, bit emotional etc - but sure this is due to the operation. I don't want to waste my GPs time if it's nothing to worry about.
There are quite a few symptoms.
Sweating, palpitations, facial flushing, bloating of abdomen, fast heartbeat, dizzy and more.
Normally if anything shows up on a scan you should receive an appointment from the hospital to discuss the scan. Have you seen anyone from the hospital about this?
Yes, it could be a growth on your adrenal gland, Conn's Syndrome. How's your blood pressure, see your doctor. Kind Regards
It was in a letter from my neurosurgeon to my GP. So, GP should have picked it up. The scan was done privately so not surpried there's been no joined up thinking. Thanks
Hi Eijack - blood pressure was 122/63 at the time of the scan - just about normal? Nevertheless I'll go to the GP just to be safe. Thanks all
Hi my blood pressure can be high at times and I can also go weeks before another attack. I think you should see your Dr to be on the safe side.
Good luck.
Update: I saw my GP and he has absolutely no idea what it could be. I have symptoms that could be attached to an issue with the adrenal glands but they can be attributed to my spinal problems and also that I'm peri-menopausal! So it appears that the bulky gland is rare if he hasn't seen it before. He said he could refer me to an endocrinologist but I don't want to waste anyones time if it's nothing and be seen as a time waster. Any advice would be great. Should I see a specialist? thanks
Don't ever be afraid of wasting a Doctors time! It's your health at stake!
from what you write it's seems very much like the symptoms I had without the peri- menstrual, I have a benign growth on my adrenal gland,it's called Conns syndrome" and I take the drug "Spironolactone". See your doctor and tell him, Kind Regards
I received a letter last week to have an MRI scan next month on both my adrenals. I had no idea I was having the scan until I received the letter. I read online that the MRI scan can show up more than the CT scan. If I was you, I would want to see an endocrinologist, he can do much more than your Dr.