Approach to large adrenal tumors

Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2021 Jun 1;28(3):271-276. doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000631.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize the data concerning approach to large adrenal tumors (LAT's), since recent guidelines published in 2016 recommend individual approach rather than clear size cut-off of a tumor that should be removed.

Recent findings: Although the risk of malignancy clearly correlates with the size of a lesion, tumor size of more than 4 cm in diameter represents only 31-61% specificity for the diagnosis of malignant tumor. Therefore, the risk of malignancy and decision about surgery should not be based only on the size of a tumor but assessed in terms of imaging studies, growth pattern during follow-up and new tool that is urine/serum steroid metabolomics.

Summary: Approach to patients with LAT's should be individualized. Patients with LAT's should be managed by an expert multidisciplinary team, that includes an endocrinologist, a radiologist, a pathologist, and an adrenal surgeon.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Metabolomics
  • Patient Care Team
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic