[Adrenal incidentalomas].
Adrenal incidentalomas are clinically inapparent masses detected incidentally with imaging studies conducted for other reasons. They are relatively common and require structured diagnostic workup. In many cases surveillance is warranted. The diagnostic workflow has to reveal whether the mass is hormonally functioning and/or if there is evidence of malignancy. If the tumor is functionally silent and not larger than 4 cm, surveillance is warranted. Functioning tumors and masses larger than 6 cm have to be resected. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is indicated in very rare cases, but pheochromocytoma has to be ruled out first.
Langer
P
P
Klinik für Visceral-, Thorax- und Gefässchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Marburg. langerp@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Waldmann
J
J
Rothmund
M
M
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D018246:Adrenocortical Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D033162:Incidental Findings; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D047748:Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery