Radiographic evaluation of nonfunctioning adrenal neoplasms

Abstract

Incidental adrenal neoplasms are usually nonfunctioning benign adenomas. Once hormonal production has been assessed, the nonsecreting lesions must be evaluated for the possibility of malignancy. This evaluation relies primarily on the radiographic characteristics. This article focuses on the current state of radiologic technology available to accurately assess nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas. As this technology advances, a lesion's malignant potential can more accurately be determined, thereby allowing physicians to make more informed treatment recommendations.

Keywords: Adrenal neoplasm; Adrenocortical cancer; CT; Incidentaloma; MRI; PET.