Evaluation and management of adrenal neoplasms: endocrinologist and endocrine surgeon perspectives

• Published in: Abdominal imaging Vol. 45; no. 4; pp. 1001 - 1010
• Main Authors: Mazzaglia, Peter J., Varghese, Jeena, Habra, Mouhammed A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.04.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdomen; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - therapy; Adrenal glands; Biopsy; Cancer therapies; Computed tomography; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Management; Drug dosages; Endocrinologists; Endocrinology; Estrogens; Evaluation; Gastroenterology; Hepatology; Hormones; Humans; Hypertension; Imaging; Incidental Findings; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolism; Metastasis; Neoplasms; Neuroendocrine tumors; Positron emission; Radiology; Special Section: Adrenal Imaging; Steroids; Surgeons; Surgery; Tomography; Tumors; Urine; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal neoplasm; Adrenocortical carcinoma; Cushing syndrome
• ISSN: 2366-004X; 2366-0058
• DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02464-z

The evaluation and management of adrenal disease is a complex endeavor that relies on an expert knowledge of human physiology and anatomy. Careful and proper patient assessment mandates a balanced approach which marries the disciplines of endocrinology, surgery, and radiology. Any of these three specialties may be on the front line in performing the initial workup when an adrenal neoplasm is discovered. With an ever-increasing volume of cross-sectional imaging, be it CT, MRI, or PET, large numbers of adrenal incidentalomas are being discovered. A close collaboration amongst specialties should strive to streamline the initial evaluation and minimize unnecessary testing and treatment.