The thickening of the adrenal gland can be a symptom of cancer. If it is not the result of cancer then typically it is ignored and looked at five or six months later.

That is the Adrenal gland. Another name for this is the Suprarenal gland.

The Adrenal Gland.

This gland is divided into two categories, the Adrenal Cortex and the Adrenal Medulla.

The Adrenal Medulla produced epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Epinephrine is also known as adrenaline, and the beginning of the word, "adrenal", is the same name as the gland, The Adrenal Gland.

Adrenal gland cancers, also known as adrenocortical carcinomas, are rare and typically occur when normal cells in the adrenal glands change (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations can lead to the uncontrolled growth of cells, forming a cancerous tumor. While the exact causes of these mutations are often unclear, several risk factors and genetic conditions are associated with an increased likelihood of developing adrenal gland cancers. Here are some factors that may contribute:

Genetic Predisposition:

In some cases, individuals may inherit genetic mutations that increase their susceptibility to adrenal gland cancers. Certain genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, have been linked to an elevated risk of adrenal cancer.

Hereditary Conditions:

Some hereditary conditions, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and Lynch syndrome, may be associated with an increased risk of adrenal gland cancers.

X-ray Exposure:

High doses of radiation, particularly to the abdomen, may increase the risk of developing adrenal cancers. However, this is a rare cause, and most adrenal cancers are not linked to radiation exposure.

Age and Gender:

Adrenal gland cancers can occur at any age but are most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 40 and 50. They are slightly more common in women than in men.

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome:

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of various cancers, including adrenal gland cancers. Individuals with this syndrome have a mutation in the TP53 gene.

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome:

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth and an increased risk of certain childhood cancers, including adrenal gland cancers.

Carney Complex:

Carney complex is a rare genetic syndrome that can be associated with adrenal gland tumors, among other conditions. It is caused by mutations in the PRKAR1A gene.

Unknown Factors:

In many cases, the exact cause of adrenal gland cancers remains unknown. They often develop sporadically, without a clear genetic or environmental trigger.

The adrenal cortex, where aldosterone is produced, is part of the adrenal gland.