What is an adrenal mass?

An adrenal mass, also called an adrenal tumor, is a growth that appears on the adrenal gland, according to the Department of Surgery at the University of Southern California. The human body has two adrenal glands, one located above each kidney. Adrenal masses can be benign or cancerous.

Since benign and cancerous adrenal masses can have similar characteristics, the USC Department of Surgery states that testing is needed after the tumors are removed. The department recommends that all adrenal masses over 4 centimeters be removed because of the high underlying cancer risk. Very small tumors that are causing no complications can be observed as long as CT scans are performed every six months.