Pathology of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system includes glands that secrete hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and homeostasis. Pathology in this system usually results from hyperfunction (too much hormone) or hypofunction (too little hormone) or tumors.
---
🔷 1. Pituitary Gland Disorders
Condition Type Cause Features
Pituitary adenoma Tumor Benign tumor of anterior pituitary May cause hormone excess (e.g., prolactinoma) or pressure effects
Gigantism/Acromegaly Hyperfunction Excess GH (Growth Hormone) Gigantism (children), Acromegaly (adults)
Pituitary dwarfism Hypofunction GH deficiency Short stature in children
---
🔷 2. Thyroid Gland Disorders
Condition Type Cause Features
Hyperthyroidism (e.g. Graves’ disease) Hyperfunction Autoimmune (TSH receptor antibodies) Weight loss, tachycardia, heat intolerance, goiter, exophthalmos
Hypothyroidism (e.g. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) Hypofunction Autoimmune destruction of thyroid Fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, bradycardia
Goiter Enlargement Iodine deficiency or hormonal stimulation May be euthyroid, hyper- or hypothyroid
Thyroid cancer Tumor Papillary is most common Thyroid nodule, may metastasize
---
🔷 3. Parathyroid Gland Disorders
Condition Type Cause Features
Hyperparathyroidism Hyperfunction Parathyroid adenoma ↑PTH → hypercalcemia, kidney stones, bone pain
Hypoparathyroidism Hypofunction Surgery, autoimmune ↓PTH → hypocalcemia, tetany, muscle cramps
---
🔷 4. Adrenal Gland Disorders
Condition Type Cause Features
Cushing’s syndrome Hyperfunction Excess cortisol (tumor or steroids) Moon face, truncal obesity, buffalo hump
Addison’s disease Hypofunction Autoimmune destruction of adrenal cortex Fatigue, hypotension, hyperpigmentation
Pheochromocytoma Tumor Adrenal medulla tumor (↑catecholamines) Hypertension, headache, palpitations
Conn’s syndrome Hyperfunction Aldosterone-producing adenoma Hypertension, hypokalemia
---
🔷 5. Pancreatic Endocrine Disorders
Condition Type Cause Features
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 Hypofunction Autoimmune β-cell destruction Insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Hypofunction Insulin resistance Common in adults, associated with obesity
Pancreatic endocrine tumors Tumors Insulinoma, gastrinoma, etc. Hormone overproduction symptoms
Blood hormone levels
MRI/CT for tumors
Biopsy (for tumors)
Stimulation/suppression tests
0 Comments