The adrenal glands are approximately two and half by one inch long yellowish-orange colored glands that are found just above the kidneys. Adrenal glands provide a very important function in protecting the body against stress. This function is carried out by secretion of a number of different types of hormones by the adrenal glands. Tumors of the adrenal glands may arise from the cortex or the medulla part of the adrenal gland. Adrenal tumors commonly present because symptoms from excess secretion of hormones by the tumor. Adrenal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). Often this separation is difficult to make and long term close follow up is necessary after removal to detect recurrences early in patients who have adrenal cancer.