Clinical Review

When to Worry About Incidental Renal and Adrenal Masses

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References

Some guidelines recommend repeat biochemical screening every 3 to 4 years.28,29 AACE guidelines quote a 47% rate of progression over 3 years, but most adrenal masses progress to subclinical Cushing syndrome— a condition of uncertain significance. Subclinical Cushing’s has not been reported to progress to the overt syndrome, and new catecholamine or aldosterone secretion is rare.

Many endocrinologists reduce the frequency of follow-up, depending on the type of adrenal mass (cyst or solid) and its size. AACE suggests CT for adenomas one to 4 cm at 12 months. AACE and NIH recommend hormonal evaluation annually for 4 years. Adrenal cysts or myelolipoma in patients without cancer need no follow-up.29

CORRESPONDENCE
James C. Higgins, DO, CAPT, MC, USN, Ret., Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Family Medicine Department, 2080 Child Street, Box 1000, Jacksonville, FL 32214;
James.higgins@med.navy.mil

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