What is the adrenal gland?

Mar 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Guang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the adrenal glands are important endocrine organs in the human body. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys, one on each side; the left adrenal gland is crescent-shaped, while the right adrenal gland is triangular. Together with the kidneys, they are enclosed by renal fascia and adipose tissue, occupying a relatively fixed position within the retroperitoneal space. This organ consists of two parts: the cortex and the medulla.

Under normal circumstances, the adrenal glands are important endocrine organs in the human body. A detailed analysis is as follows:

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys, one on each side; the left adrenal gland is crescent-shaped, while the right is triangular. Both are encased together with the kidneys by renal fascia and adipose tissue, occupying a relatively fixed position within the retroperitoneal space. This organ consists of two parts: the cortex and the medulla. The cortex, located in the outer layer, constitutes the majority of the adrenal gland's volume and can be divided into three layers: the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The adrenal cortex is responsible for secreting important hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol, and sex hormones.

Aldosterone participates in the regulation of water and salt metabolism, cortisol has profound effects on carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, while sex hormones play roles in human development and maintenance of physiological functions. The medulla, located in the central part of the adrenal gland, mainly consists of chromaffin cells that primarily secrete epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These hormones can accelerate metabolic processes and stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity.

Patients are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, avoiding late nights and unhealthy dietary practices to prevent adrenal dysfunction and its adverse effects on the body.

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Under normal circumstances, the majority of the liver is located on the right side of the human body, with a smaller portion on the left. Most of the liver occupies the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, while a smaller section extends into the left upper quadrant, spanning the upper portion of the abdominal cavity. The liver's upper surface is adjacent to the diaphragm and lies in proximity to the right lung and right atrium of the heart. Its lower surface is neighboring the stomach, duodenum, and right colic flexure, while its posterior aspect is adjacent to the right adrenal gland and right kidney.

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Which department should you visit for adrenal gland tumors?

In general, adrenal tumors can be treated by departments such as urologic surgery, endocrinology, nephrology, oncology, and general surgery. Patients with adrenal tumors can choose the appropriate department based on their specific condition and the doctor's recommendations. At the same time, during treatment, patients should maintain a positive mindset, actively cooperate with treatment, and focus on self-management to aid in recovery.

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How is adrenal gland tumor treated?

Under normal circumstances, adrenal tumors may be caused by factors such as familial genetic predisposition, long-term mental stress, adrenal hyperplasia, primary aldosteronism, and pheochromocytoma. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. In daily life, it is important to maintain a light diet and reduce the intake of high-salt and high-fat foods.

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Do benign adrenal tumors require surgery?

In general, surgery is usually required if an adrenal benign tumor is large and accompanied by other symptoms. If the adrenal benign tumor is small and there are no other abnormal symptoms, surgery is not necessary. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to promptly visit a regular hospital for diagnosis and treatment. During the observation period, maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress.

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Can adrenal gland tumors be cured?

In general, if a patient with an adrenal tumor has a mild condition and the tumor is benign, it can usually be cured. However, if the patient's condition is severe and the tumor is malignant, it cannot be cured. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a regular hospital. In daily life, patients with adrenal tumors need to undergo regular follow-up examinations, including imaging studies and endocrine function tests.

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What is an adrenal tumor?

In general, adrenal tumors refer to tumors occurring in the adrenal region, which is located above the kidneys and is divided into two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. Therefore, adrenal tumors can also be categorized into adrenal cortical tumors and adrenal medullary tumors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance.

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Are adrenal neurogenic tumors serious?

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Is a tumor in the left adrenal gland serious?

If the left adrenal tumor is benign, such as an adrenal cortical adenoma, and has no endocrine function, and if the tumor is small in size and does not compress surrounding tissues or organs, patients typically experience no significant discomfort or symptoms, and their overall health is minimally affected. Regular imaging examinations to monitor tumor changes are usually sufficient, and some patients may not require specific treatment. Even if surgical removal is performed, postoperative recovery is generally good, and recurrence is uncommon.

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