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Annals of Surgical Oncology

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01-08-2007 | Endocrine Tumors

Isolated Adrenal Mass in Patients with a History of Cancer: Remember Pheochromocytoma

Authors: Joel T. Adler, BA, Eberhard Mack, MD, FACS, Herbert Chen, MD, FACS

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 8/2007

Abstract

Background

In a patient with a history of cancer, an isolated adrenal mass is usually thought to be a metastasis. Although a biochemical work-up to rule out pheochromocytoma is recommended, some question its practicality. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of functional adrenal lesions in patients with a history of cancer and examine predictive factors for the type of lesion.

Methods

At a single institution, 33 patients with an isolated adrenal mass and a history of cancer underwent surgical treatment. Patients’ records were retrospectively analyzed for type of adrenal lesion and other diagnostic parameters.

Results

There were 20 males and 13 females with a mean age of 58±2 years. Of these, 20 (61%) had adrenal metastases, 8 (24%) had pheochromocytomas, and 5 (15%) had adrenal adenomas. Usual diagnostic criteria, including presenting symptoms, primary tumor, and other demographic characteristics, did not consistently predict the pathology of the lesion.

Conclusions

Nearly 1 in 4 resected adrenal masses in patients with a history of cancer were pheochromocytomas. The high incidence of pheochromocytoma in this series supports a thorough work-up, irrespective of previous cancer. Therefore, remember one thing in patients with an isolated adrenal mass and a history of cancer: pheochromocytoma.

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Title: Isolated Adrenal Mass in Patients with a History of Cancer: Remember Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Joel T. Adler, BA
Eberhard Mack, MD, FACS
Herbert Chen, MD, FACS
Publication date: 01-08-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 8/2007
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-007-9426-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Isolated Adrenal Mass in Patients with a History of Cancer: Remember Pheochromocytoma

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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