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 masses that aren't cancer. They form in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. These glands make hormones that send messages to nearly every organ and tissue in the body. There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Each gland has two types of tissue: the cortex and the medulla. Benign adrenal tumors that grow in the cortex are called adrenal adenomas. Those that grow in the medulla are 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 make high levels of some hormones that can cause problems. Hormones from the cortex control metabolism, blood pressure and certain body features, such as hair growth. Hormones from the medulla control the body's response to stress.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSymptoms depend on whether the tumor makes hormones, what hormone it makes and how much it makes. But many benign adrenal gland tumors don't cause symptoms because they don't make hormones. The most common type of benign adrenal tumor, called adenoma, comes from the adrenal cortex. This type of tumor might cause symptoms such as: Weight gain. Easy bruising. High blood pressure, also called hypertension. Diabetes. Depressed mood. Tiredness. Muscle weakness or cramping. A type of benign adrenal tumor from the medulla is called pheochromocytoma. It might cause the following symptoms: High blood pressure, also called hypertension. Fast heartbeat. Sweating. Tremors. Headache. CausesThe cause of benign adrenal tumors often is not known. Risk factorsThe following might raise the risk of developing a benign adrenal tumor: A family history of benign adrenal tumors. Certain syndromes passed through families, called genetic syndromes, that make benign adrenal tumors more likely. A history of having an adrenal tumor surgically removed. By Mayo Clinic Staff Benign adrenal tumors care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment May 10, 2024 Print Show references Adrenal gland tumor. Cancer.Net. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/adrenal-gland-tumor/view-all. Accessed Dec. 12, 2023. AskMayoExpert. Adrenal incidentaloma. Mayo Clinic; 2023. AskMayoExpert. Pheochromocytoma. Mayo Clinic; 2022. What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/adrenalgland/conditioninfo/symptoms. Accessed Dec. 13, 2023. Lacroix A. Clinical presentation and evaluation of adrenocortical tumors. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Dec. 13, 2023. Young WF. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Dec. 13, 2023. Elsevier Point of Care. Clinical Overview: Incidental adrenal mass. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 14, 2023. Jing Y, et al. Prevalence and characteristics of adrenal tumors in an unselected screening population: A cross-sectional study. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2022; doi:10.7326/M22-1619. Corssmit, EPM, et al. Screening in adrenal tumors. Current Opinion Oncology. 2019; doi:10.1097/CCO.0000000000000528. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Jan. 8, 2024. Related Adrenal glands Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Benign adrenal tumorsSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&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. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo 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