Benign Adrenal Tumors

Question 1

adenomas with Cushing’s

Answer 1

usually <60g, avg 3.0 cm, yellow due to fat content; rsemble fasiculata cells form nests and cords; adjacent non-neoplastic, contralateral normal cell will be atrophic

Question 2

adenomas with Conn’s

Answer 2

<2 cm, solitary, unecapsulated, yellow; ZG or ZF; ZG thick, adrenals are not atrophic; spironolactone bodies - if treated with
rarely may be virlizing or feminizing (usually carcinoma)

Question 3

adrenogenital adenoma

Answer 3

larger than the others, ~500g

Question 4

can one distinguish type of tumor from histology?

Answer 4

no

Question 5

when are adrenal nodules common

Answer 5

in the elderly; uncertain origin; bilateral, <2cm, pigmented (black)