Adrenal Pathology

The adrenal glands are situated at the back of the abdomen, one on either side of the body positioned at the top of each kidney. They produce various important hormones to regulate important bodily functions.

The adrenal gland can become abnormal either by becoming over-active with hormone production or developing a tumour (abnormal growth).

Imbalance of adrenal hormones can cause various conditions. When hormones are over-produced you may be sent to a surgeon to consider removal of the gland or glands. If it develops a tumour, it is more often benign (not cancerous) and only infrequently malignant (cancerous).

If a tumour of the adrenal gland is detected, you may need assessment for removal of the tumour. This operation is called an ‘Adrenalectomy‘.