The Adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system, a network of glands that produce and release hormones. Hormones keep an even balance of chemicals in the body helping us to respond and adapt to changing environmental circumstances. There are two adrenal glands, one on the top of each kidney, and they produce various hormones that are vital for the body’s functioning and survival.
Adrenal tumours are one of the most common tumours occurring in up to 6% of individuals. While most are benign, some are malignant and cancerous and are notoriously difficult to treat and cure, especially if they have grown to a large size and spread to adjacent tissues or other organs.
However, even benign looking adrenal tumours (‘adenomas’) need careful evaluation as they commonly secrete excess amounts of hormones which, while usually do not lead to overt symptoms, can cause long -term sub-clinical harm to the body.