Adrenal Adenoma 

Adrenal masses (AMs) are often discovered incidentally and are then termed adrenal incidentalomas (AIs). They are often discovered after an imaging procedure is performed that is unrelated to the adrenal gland. Usually, the patient has no signs of hormonal excess or obvious underlying malignancy. Incidence has been increasing proportionally to the use of radiographic imaging, as shown in the images below.^[1] Less commonly, AMs are discovered as part of the clinical workup for suspected adrenal disease (eg, Cushing syndrome). (See Workup, as well as Clinical Presentation.)

The differential diagnosis of adrenal masses includes many primary, metastatic, benign, and malignant entities, most of which are not discussed at length here. (See Diagnosis )

Adrenal cortical adenoma is a common benign tumor arising from the cortex of the adrenal gland. It commonly occurs in adults, but it can be found in persons of any age. Adrenal cortical adenomas are not considered to have the potential for malignant transformation (see the images below).

Because adrenal metastases may be found in as many as 25% of patients with known primary lesions, radiologists frequently face the task of determining whether an adrenal mass is benign or malignant. The question can directly affect the clinical management of the case. For instance, the workup for an otherwise resectable lung cancer may reveal the presence of an adrenal mass and suggest the possibility of metastatic disease. (See Workup.)

The treatment for a hormonally active (functional) adrenal tumor is surgery. The treatment for a malignancy depends on the cell type, spread, and location of the primary tumor.^[2] Nonfunctional adrenal cortical adenomas are not premalignant, and surgical excision is not indicated. (See Treatment and Management.)

Much of the following discussion is on the clinical conundrum of the incidentally discovered AM. The term adrenal adenoma (AA) is used in the following discussion when nonadrenal sources occupying the adrenal area can be excluded. The term AM is used when a nonadrenal space-occupying structure cannot be excluded.

The adrenal glands are located in the perirenal space near the upper pole of each kidney. Their appearance varies: they may be shaped like the letter H, L, Y, T, or V. Typically, they are less than 4 cm in length and less than 1 cm in width.

The biochemical mechanisms depend on the underlying cell type. The cellular mechanisms for primary adrenocortical tumorigenesis are just beginning to be understood.

Some studies report an association with chromosomal and genetic abnormalities (genes coding for p53 and p57). Tumor markers are also present in other syndromes. The multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1) gene is linked to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. The aldosynthase/11-beta hydroxylase hybrid gene is associated with glucocorticoid-remediable hyperaldosteronism.

Another very rare cause of Cushing syndrome is adrenal-dependent macronodular hyperplasia associated with extremely large adrenal glands.

Adrenal masses (AMs) are a common finding on cross-sectional abdominal images. In about 1-5% of all cases, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans that are obtained for reasons other than the evaluation for possible adrenal neoplasm demonstrate an AM; most of these are adrenal adenomas (AAs). The autopsy prevalence for AMs is 2-9% (see Table 1).

Table 1. Prevalence of AMs (Open Table in a new window)

Approximately 1-10% of CT scans and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) detect adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) that are 5 mm or larger. An Italian study of incidentally discovered AMs among subjects undergoing chest CT scan found that the prevalence of AAs was approximately 4%.^[8]

The most important hormonally silent AA is pheochromocytoma. They are present in approximately 1 in 1000 autopsies. If the prevalence of AAs is 10-100 in 1000, then 1-10% of AIs are pheochromocytomas, as noted in the image below.

Sex distribution for adrenal adenoma

Evidence suggests that the incidence in teenage girls is slightly higher than that of teenage boys, but no sex-related predilection is found in adults.

Age distribution for adrenal adenoma

Prevalence increases with age; the rate is less than 1% for patients younger than 30 years and is 7% for patients 70 years or older.

Generally, the prognosis is excellent, but it depends on the type of underlying adrenal disease.

Approximately 80% of AAs are nonfunctional (hormonally silent) and benign. Twenty percent of AAs are either functional (hormonally active) or malignant and require further evaluation and treatment to avoid medical complications.

Patients with a previous history of cancer have a clinical course dictated by the primary tumor. Patients with adrenal cortical carcinomas have poor clinical outcomes, usually a 2- to 5-year 50% overall survival rate.

Pheochromocytomas may result in substantial complications, including death if not recognized. A 1981 series reported that less than one quarter of pheochromocytomas found post mortem were diagnosed ante mortem.^[9] More than 90% of these patients had characteristic symptoms suggesting the unrecognized tumors were not silent. Many of the patients died of causes possibly related to the pheochromocytoma. Approximately 29% died unexpectedly during surgery, 27% died from cardiovascular causes, and 17% died from cerebrovascular causes.

If pertinent, patients should know the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Clinical clues include nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea.