The diagnosis and therapy of adrenal incidentalomas

    Wu Yuxuan, Zhu Yu, Sun Fukang, Zhou Wenlong

    (Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China)

    ABSTRACT: Objective To discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic methods of adrenal incidentalomas. Methods The data of 129 cases proved by operation were retrospectively analyzed. Results Total tumor removals were performed in 125 cases, the diameter of the tumors being 1.2-18cm. 31 cases were pheochromocytoma, 37 adrenal cortical adenoma, 9 adrenal cortical carcinoma, 4 metastases carcinoma, 3 lymphoma and 45 other benign tumors. Conclusion Most of the adrenal incidentalomas were adrenal cortical and medullary tumors. In order to determine whether hypersecretions existed, endocrine examination should be performed before operation. Surgical operations were performed in those whose diameters of tumors were over 3cm with nonhypersecretion or those with hypersecretion or malignant trends. But those whose tumors had nonhypersecretions and diameters were less than 3cm, should be followed up. ......