Adrenal incidentaloma

Abstract

Adrenal incidentalomas are tumors that are serendipitously found by radiological examination. The incidence of adrenal incidentalomas in patients undergoing abdominal CT approaches 1%. The evaluation of a patient with an adrenal incidentaloma requires, in addition to a clinical history and physical examination, a focused biochemical evaluation to investigate if there is excess secretion of catecholamines, glucocorticoids, or aldosterone. Some tumors have specific features on imaging that identify them as benign or malignant. The recommendations for management of adrenal incidentalomas include resection of all functioning tumors regardless of size, preferably by the laparoscopic approach. Large, non-functional tumors should also be removed. Biochemical and radiological surveillance is recommended for at least one year, if a tumor is left in place.