Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism) : This condition occurs when your adenoma secretes too much cortisol.As a result, you may experience symptoms of certain adrenal disorders, including: How does an adrenal adenoma affect my body?įunctioning adrenal adenomas can cause your adrenal glands to secrete excess amounts of one or more types of hormone. They’re the most common type of adrenal gland tumor. Approximately 3% to 9% of people have adrenal adenomas. Who do adrenal adenomas affect?Īnyone can get an adrenal adenoma, although the likelihood increases with age. The majority of adrenal tumors are benign (noncancerous). Only about 1 in 1 million people develop adrenocortical carcinoma. They may cause symptoms similar to functioning adrenal adenomas. Like adrenal adenomas, functioning adrenocortical carcinoma tumors secrete excess hormones.

The most common cancerous tumor that forms in your adrenal glands is adrenocortical carcinoma. Can an adrenal adenoma become cancerous?Īdrenal adenomas can become cancerous, but this is rare.

Neither type of tumor is likely to become cancer, but a nonfunctional adrenal adenoma can become functional. They don’t cause symptoms or require treatment. Most adrenal adenomas are nonfunctioning.

Nonfunctioning (inactive) adrenal adenomas don’t produce excess adrenal hormones.

Functioning (active) adrenal adenomas secrete excess adrenal gland hormones and may cause symptoms that require treatment.

What types of adrenal adenomas are there?Īdrenal adenomas are either functioning or nonfunctioning. Some may lead to the overproduction of one or more normal adrenal hormones. Adrenal adenomas form in your adrenal cortex.Īdrenal adenomas don’t usually cause symptoms or require treatment. The adrenal medulla produces dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Your adrenal cortex secretes hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. Your adrenal glands have two parts, your adrenal cortex and your adrenal medulla. Your adrenal glands also release hormones that regulate your blood sugar, blood pressure and immune system, among other essential functions. They secrete hormones that help your body respond to stress. Your adrenal glands are small, triangular glands located atop both of your kidneys.

What is an adrenal adenoma?Īdrenal adenomas are benign (noncancerous) tumors in your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands are responsible for the production of hormones your body needs to carry out daily functions.

Cortex of adrenal gland