If the testing shows an overproduction of hormones, the care team may recommend removal of the affected adrenal gland, although the necessity of this surgery varies. Of blood, urine or salivary tests are performed to assess hormone production. When an adrenal adenoma is found, a series That affects blood pressure and salt concentration and adrenaline, another Secrete various hormones, such as cortisol, a steroid hormone that can affectīlood pressure, blood sugar and weight changes aldosterone, a steroid hormone Nodule looks like it might be cancer, then additional imaging or other follow-upĮxcess production of certain adrenal hormones. Shape and size, as well as the presence of other distinguishing features, canĭifferentiate a benign adrenal adenoma from a mass that may be cancer. Factors such as how bright the nodule appears on the imaging, its The images are evaluated closely to examine the nodule'sĪppearance. Because of that, sometimes they are nicknamed adrenal 'incidentalomas.'Īdrenal gland, several steps are taken to confirm whether it's a noncancerous, As in your case, adrenal adenomas often are found incidentally on abdominal imaging exams performed for another reason. They tend to be more common in older adults and people who are obese, as well as in those who have diabetes or high blood pressure. It's not clear what causes adrenal adenomas to form. Each adrenal gland has two parts: the outer cortexĪnd the inner medulla. The endocrine system, adrenal glands produce hormones that contribute to sexualĭevelopment, and regulate metabolism, blood pressure, stress and otherĮssential bodily functions. Your body has two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. When adrenal adenomas are discovered, however, a thorough evaluation of their appearance and hormone production is necessary to confirm that the adenomas are not cancerous and they won't lead to other health problems. They are common, and they usually don't pose a health threat or require treatment. Although I am overweight, I'm in generally good health otherwise.ĪNSWER: Adrenal adenomas are one of several types of nodules that develop on the adrenal glands. What causes this? Should I be concerned? I am a 74-year-old woman.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: On a scan of my abdomen, an adenoma was found incidentally on one of my adrenal glands.

Adrenal mass on kidney