SURGICAL LESIONS OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS

Abstract

Tumors involving the adrenal gland may take their origin from the cells of the adrenal cortex, which originates from the mesoderm of the wolffian body or the medulla, which originates in structures giving rise to the sympathetic nervous system. The most frequently occurring adrenal tumor is that involving the cortex. Several excellent summaries of reported cases have appeared in the literature. To the signs and symptoms thought to be pathognomonic of such tumors, Gallais¹ has applied the name "le syndrome génito-surrénal," and Krabbe² that of "adrenal hirsutism." In general, it may be said that one of the chief characteristics of tumors of the adrenal cortex is their tendency to produce changes in the sexual characteristics of the person affected. This characteristic is not what one would expect from a study of adrenal insufficiency, as the outstanding features of this condition are disturbances in electrolyte metabolism which usually are