Adrenal Gland Tumor: Risk Factors

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 11/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing an adrenal gland tumor. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are the risk factors for an adrenal gland tumor?

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors often influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause a tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

People with certain inherited, or hereditary, conditions have a higher risk of developing an adrenal gland tumor. People with a high risk of developing an adrenal gland tumor because of their family history should be examined and evaluated by their doctor every year. Hereditary conditions that raise risk of adrenal gland tumors are:

What causes most cancerous adrenal gland tumors is not known.

Researchers continue to look into what factors cause adrenal gland tumors and what people can do to lower their personal risk. There is no proven way to completely prevent these tumors, but there may be steps you can take to lower your risk. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your personal risk of developing an adrenal gland tumor.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what changes or medical problems an adrenal gland tumor can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.