Section Editor: Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 25, 2026
The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They have two parts: an outer layer called the cortex and an inner core called the medulla. Together they make hormones that help control blood pressure, the body’s response to stress, and the balance of salt and water. When an adrenal gland is removed, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the adrenal glands. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the adrenal gland
These diagnoses are tumors of the adrenal gland that are cancerous or have the potential to behave like cancer. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a rare cancer that develops in the cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal gland. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions adrenal cortical carcinoma or adrenocortical carcinoma.
Oncocytic adrenal cortical carcinoma
Oncocytic adrenal cortical carcinoma is an uncommon type of adrenal cortical carcinoma made of large cells called oncocytes. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions oncocytic adrenal cortical carcinoma.
A pheochromocytoma is a tumor that develops in the medulla, the inner core of the adrenal gland. Most behave harmlessly, but all are closely monitored because they carry a risk of spreading. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a pheochromocytoma.
Noncancerous tumors
These diagnoses are noncancerous tumors of the adrenal gland. They do not spread to other parts of the body and are often found incidentally during imaging performed for another reason. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
An adrenal cortical adenoma is a common, noncancerous tumor that develops in the cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal gland. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an adrenal cortical adenoma or adrenocortical adenoma.
A myelolipoma is a noncancerous adrenal gland tumor made of fat and blood-forming tissue. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a myelolipoma.
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