South Tampa Hospital recognizes Adrenal Disease Awareness Month

Tampa, FL — April is Adrenal Disease Awareness Month and the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery, a part of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, is raising awareness about adrenal disorders, many of which are frequently overlooked, often misdiagnosed, and if left untreated, can be life-threatening. With increased awareness about these often-misunderstood diseases, such as Conn’s syndrome and Cushing Syndrome, our community will become more knowledgeable about the importance of timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Located on top of both kidneys, adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands.  They produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and response to stress.  Many adrenal disorders present with symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety or fatigue – symptoms that frequently overlap with more common conditions, delaying diagnosis.

“Adrenal disorders often present with symptoms that mimic common conditions, which is why they can go unrecognized for years,” said Tobias Carling, MD, PhD, FACS, adrenal surgeon at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery.  “The challenge is that these complex conditions can be serious, but the good news is that many are highly treatable, and in some cases curable, when diagnosed early.”

Recently, the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery’s Dr. Tobias Carling, Dr. Karan Patel, Dr. Constantine A. Stratakis and Dr. Fabio R. Faucz published an article in JAMA Surgery, proposing a breakthrough approach to treating primary aldosteronism — a common yet frequently missed hormonal cause of high blood pressure that is often curable with surgery.

During Adrenal Disease Awareness Month, the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is emphasizing the importance of understanding the various types of adrenal disease.  Early diagnosis and expert surgical treatment can be life-changing and in many cases, curative.