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The adrenal glands are two, small 1- to 2- inch organs that lie on top or next to each kidney. These glands, though small, have important functions. The outer layers (cortex) secrete steroids that control blood pressure, sex drive, and body energy regulation. The inner part (medulla) secretes neurotransmitters (epinephrine or adrenaline) commonly involved in stress or panic situations.
The adrenals commonly have benign growths detected incidentally on a CT or MRI scan. These are found in as many as 5% of adults. Most of these benign growths do not cause any harm. Rarely, an over-secretion of a particular hormone or epinephrine can cause bodily harm. Salt wasting, uncontrollable blood pressure problems, weight gain in the back and face, and undesirable facial hair growth are amongst the side effects. Adrenal cancer, either primary or from a metastases of other body cancers, is also a potential concern though less likely if the growth on the adrenal gland is less than 2 inches.
The older, standard surgery for adrenal removal (adrenalectomy), which required an 8-12 inch incision through the rib cage, is now being accomplished routinely through laparoscopic surgery, avoiding the chest area entirely. Emory University urologists perform laparoscopic adrenalectomies through 3 to 4 small incisions. Open adrenal surgery is sometimes necessary for large tumors, which can involve other surrounding organ systems.
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