Extract

WHAT IS AN ADRENAL INCIDENTALOMA?

An adrenal incidentaloma is an unsuspected tumor in one or both of your adrenal glands. This type of tumor is usually found by chance during an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, for another condition. A tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or a malignant (cancerous).

WHAT ARE THE ADRENAL GLANDS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

You have two adrenal glands—one on top of each of your kidneys. Your adrenal glands make several important hormones. If your adrenal glands make too little or too much of these yo hormones, you can get sick.

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WHAT CAUSES AN ADRENAL INCIDENTALOMA?

There are a number of causes. Some causes can make your adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone. This type of tumor is called a hormonally active or functional tumor. Hormonally active causes include

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Other types of causes do not result in excess hormone production. This type of tumor is called a non-functional tumor. Causes include

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