Secondary adrenal cancer. Gross specimen of an adrenal gland with a metastatic malignant (cancerous) carcinoma (invasive tumour, white). A metastatic tumour is a secondary cancer that has spread (metastasised) from the site of the original cancer. The adrenal glands are located above each kidney. They are part of the body's endocrine (hormone) system and secrete steroid hormones and adrenaline. Secondary adrenal tumours, although more common than primary tumours, are uncommon. Tumours can be removed surgically, but once a cancer has spread the prognosis is poor.