The diseases affecting the adrenal glands result from tumors. Although most of these tumors are benign, their effects on the glands and the individual’s health can be profound. Cleveland Clinic physicians are experts at diagnosing diseases of the adrenal glands and removing the tumors that cause them.
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are paired organs that sit atop the kidneys. They produce a variety of essential hormones, the most familiar of which is their namesake compound – adrenaline. The adrenal gland is somewhat mislabeled for it is actually two glands, each of which has its own functions. The adrenal gland's outer layer(cortex) produces steroid hormones and its inner core (medulla) produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. As with all organs in the body, the adrenal glands do not operate independently but are tied to an intricate communication system that regulates their function and allows them to regulate the function of a host of other organs and tissues.