As in your case, adrenal adenomas often are found incidentally on abdominal imaging exams performed for another reason. They tend to be more common in older adults and people who are obese, as well as in those who have diabetes or high blood pressure. It's not clear what causes adrenal adenomas to form. Each adrenal gland has two parts: the outer cortexĪnd the inner medulla. The endocrine system, adrenal glands produce hormones that contribute to sexualĭevelopment, and regulate metabolism, blood pressure, stress and otherĮssential bodily functions. Your body has two adrenal glands, one above each kidney.
When adrenal adenomas are discovered, however, a thorough evaluation of their appearance and hormone production is necessary to confirm that the adenomas are not cancerous and they won't lead to other health problems. They are common, and they usually don't pose a health threat or require treatment. Although I am overweight, I'm in generally good health otherwise.ĪNSWER: Adrenal adenomas are one of several types of nodules that develop on the adrenal glands. What causes this? Should I be concerned? I am a 74-year-old woman. DEAR MAYO CLINIC: On a scan of my abdomen, an adenoma was found incidentally on one of my adrenal glands.
