[The adrenal incidentaloma: disease of modern era]

Abstract

The adrenal incidentaloma is a mass of the adrenal gland discovered incidentally during a radiologic exam. Adrenal mass are nowadays a common medical problem due to the increasing frequency of radiological exams of the abdomen and the increased resolution and quality of these exams. In a majority of cases, the mass will turn out to be a benign nonfunctional adenoma. The physician needs however to assess the functionality of the mass by evaluating hormone hypersecretion and whether the mass is benign or malignant. Radiologic criteria can help to distinguish between malignant or benign tumor. Surgery is indicated in the presence of a functional tumor or if there is a suspicion of malignancy.