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1. Clinical presentation assessment
Manifestations such as Cushing syndrome and virilization in women should prompt further imaging evaluation.
2. Imaging examinations
CT may show an irregular mass >4 cm with high attenuation values; contrast-enhanced CT helps assess vascular involvement.
3. Hormonal testing
Measurement of sex hormones, catecholamines, and plasma metanephrines supports diagnosis.
4. Functional imaging assessment
An adrenal-to-liver SUVmax ratio >1.5 on FDG PET/CT suggests malignancy.
5. Pathological examination
The modified Weiss score is commonly used; immunohistochemical markers include SF1 and synaptophysin.
6. Molecular marker testing
IGF2 overexpression, p53 mutation, and β-catenin accumulation are common findings.
7. Needle biopsy techniques
CT- or ultrasound-guided biopsy may be used to confirm suspected malignant lesions in selected cases.
8. Differential diagnosis
A mass >6 cm is highly suspicious for malignancy and should be differentiated from adrenal adenoma.
9. Daily self-check for adrenal cancer
Monthly self-monitoring for abdominal masses and skin changes, recording blood pressure abnormalities, and regular health examinations are recommended.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that adrenal cancer is a rare but highly malignant endocrine tumor. Early symptoms are often subtle, and many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, posing a serious threat to life. Improving vigilance for characteristic symptoms is essential. High-risk individuals should undergo regular screening, and suspicious symptoms should be promptly evaluated with imaging and laboratory testing. Early standardized treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to improving prognosis.
1. Clinical presentation assessment
Manifestations such as Cushing syndrome and virilization in women should prompt further imaging evaluation.
2. Imaging examinations
CT may show an irregular mass >4 cm with high attenuation values; contrast-enhanced CT helps assess vascular involvement.
3. Hormonal testing
Measurement of sex hormones, catecholamines, and plasma metanephrines supports diagnosis.
4. Functional imaging assessment
An adrenal-to-liver SUVmax ratio >1.5 on FDG PET/CT suggests malignancy.
5. Pathological examination
The modified Weiss score is commonly used; immunohistochemical markers include SF1 and synaptophysin.
6. Molecular marker testing
IGF2 overexpression, p53 mutation, and β-catenin accumulation are common findings.
7. Needle biopsy techniques
CT- or ultrasound-guided biopsy may be used to confirm suspected malignant lesions in selected cases.
8. Differential diagnosis
A mass >6 cm is highly suspicious for malignancy and should be differentiated from adrenal adenoma.
9. Daily self-check for adrenal cancer
Monthly self-monitoring for abdominal masses and skin changes, recording blood pressure abnormalities, and regular health examinations are recommended.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that adrenal cancer is a rare but highly malignant endocrine tumor. Early symptoms are often subtle, and many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, posing a serious threat to life. Improving vigilance for characteristic symptoms is essential. High-risk individuals should undergo regular screening, and suspicious symptoms should be promptly evaluated with imaging and laboratory testing. Early standardized treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to improving prognosis.