Benign adrenal tumors are noncancerous masses that form in the adrenal glands. As part of your endocrine system, the adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body.

You have two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Each gland contains two types of tissue: the cortex and the medulla. Benign adrenal tumors that develop in the cortex are also called adrenal adenomas. Benign adrenal tumors that develop in the medulla are also called pheochromocytomas (fee-o-kroe-moe-sy-TOE-muhs).

Most benign adrenal tumors cause no symptoms and don't require treatment. But sometimes benign adrenal tumors can secrete high levels of certain hormones that can cause complications.

The most common hormones that can be over-secreted are aldosterone and cortisol from the cortex and adrenalin hormones from the medulla. In these cases, treatment for benign adrenal tumors may include surgery or medications.