The Adrenal Glands: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands that sit above each kidney in the back of the abdomen, behind the liver on the right, and the stomach, spleen and pancreas on the left. These glands and the hormones they produce are vital to the proper function of almost every organ in the body.
Considered part of the endocrine system, each adrenal gland is divided into two layers: the cortex and the medulla.
The adrenal cortex is the outer portion of the adrenal gland and surrounds the adrenal medulla. It makes hormones that affect the body’s salt and water balance, metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure, blood sugar control, weight, muscle quality, and sexual development and function.
The adrenal medulla makes adrenaline, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. There are two forms of adrenaline: epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Adrenal disorders are not uncommon. The vast majority are benign (not cancer), but it is extremely important to evaluate them according to current guidelines to ensure patients are provided appropriate recommendations, whether that means simple surveillance, medical treatment or surgical treatment.
At the OSUCCC – James, our endocrine specialists and subspecialists are world-renowned experts who focus solely on diseases of the endocrine system and who reach across medical disciplines (endocrinology, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology, medical oncology, cardiology, nephrology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, radiologists, genetic counselors, pharmacists, pathologists and more) to design the very best treatment plan and therapies that target each patient’s specific adrenal disorder.
And by offering access to the country’s most advanced clinical trials right here at the OSUCCC – James, patients know that additional options, when needed, are available for their treatment and care.
If you have been diagnosed with an adrenal disorder or adrenal cancer, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with an endocrine specialist on our Comprehensive Adrenal Program team, please call 614-293-7171 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
About Adrenal Cancer
Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC)
Malignant Pheochromocytoma