Print Overview Adrenal glands Enlarge image Close Adrenal glands Adrenal glands Located on top of each kidney, the adrenal glands make hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure and other important functions. Although small, these glands control much of what happens in the body. Benign adrenal tumors are noncancerous masses that form in the adrenal glands. As part of the endocrine system, the adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to nearly every organ and tissue in the body. You have two adrenal glands, one located above each kidney. Each gland contains two tissue types: the cortex and the medulla. Benign adrenal tumors that develop in the cortex are also called adrenal adenomas. Those that develop in the medulla are also called pheochromocytomas (fee-o-kroe-moe-sy-TOE-muhs). Most benign adrenal tumors cause no symptoms and don't need treatment. But sometimes these tumors secrete high levels of certain hormones that can cause complications. The most common hormones that can be over-secreted are aldosterone and cortisol from the cortex and adrenalin hormones from the medulla. In these cases, benign adrenal tumor treatment may include surgery or medications.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. By Mayo Clinic Staff Benign adrenal tumors care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & departments May 20, 2022 Print Show references Adenoma of the adrenal gland. Genetics and Rare Diseases Information Center. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5745/adenoma-of-the-adrenal-gland. Dec. 16, 2019. AskMayoExpert. Pheochromocytoma. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Lacroix A. Clinical presentation and evaluation of adrenocortical tumors. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Dec. 12, 2019. Young WF. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Dec. 12, 2019. Young WF. Evaluation and management of the adrenal incidentaloma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Dec. 12, 2019. Young WF. Treatment of pheochromocytoma in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Dec. 12, 2019. Farrugia FA, et al. Radiology of the adrenal incidentalomas: Review of the literature. Endocrine Regulations. 2017; doi:10.1515/enr-2017-0005. Braswell-Pickering BA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Jan. 6, 2022. AskMayoExpert. Adrenal incidentaloma. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Benign adrenal tumorsSymptoms&causesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20301710 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Benign adrenal tumors