The incidence of adrenal tumors increases with age. Similarly, the prevalence of 'adrenal incidentalomas“ (these are adrenal tumors identified on scans performed for other reasons) is 4% when detected by abdominal CT or MRI. Autopsy studies have examined the frequency of adrenal tumors, and adrenal lesions (>1 cm) were identified in 6 % of patients. Humans cannot live without adrenal glands, so if both adrenal glands are removed (very rarely necessary), then the patient needs to take medications and supplements to provide the necessary hormones.Īre Adrenal Tumors Common? Adrenal tumors are common, and they often cause problems. Adrenal glands usually do not cause problems, but they can develop tumors which require surgery.Īdrenal glands secrete several types of hormones to help maintain blood pressure, salt balance and help in times of stress. We all have two adrenal glands, but we can live just fine with only one (In fact, most people can live normally with less than half a normal adrenal gland). Adrenal glands secrete several types of hormones and thus are part of the endocrine system. Adrenal glands are about the size and shape of a fortune cookie. The adrenal glands are located on the top of the kidney on both sides of the body.Īdrenal glands are orange-colored organs located on top of both kidneys. Cushing Syndrome: Primary Hypercortisolism.Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome Tumors).Conn's Syndrome: Primary Hyperaldosteronism.

What hormones are in adrenal gland