endocrine and metabolic disorders
Nonfunctional Adrenal Masses
Introduction
Nonfunctional adrenal masses are space-occupying lesions of the adrenal glands that have no hormonal activity. Symptoms, signs, and treatment depend on the nature and size of the mass. (See also Overview of Adrenal Function .) Themost commonnonfunctioning adrenal masses in adults are Adenomas (50%) Othercommon nonfunctioning adrenal masses are Carcinomas Metastatic tumors Cysts and lipomas make up most of the remainder. However, the precise proportions depend on the clinical presentation. Masses discovered on incidental screening are usually adenomas. Less commonly, in neonates, spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage may cause large adrenal masses, simulating Neuroblastoma or Benign cysts are observed in older patients and may be due to cystic degeneration or vascular accidents. Lymphomas, bacterial infections, fungal infections (eg, Histoplasmosis ), or parasitic infestations (eg, due to 