
That means we will look at whether the borders are smooth or irregular, whether the margins are clear or unclear, and so forth. For instance, we carefully examine the size and the shape of the tumor. What do the expert adrenal doctors look for on the adrenal x-rays and scans? What we look for on an imaging study (scan) is a combination of more than a dozen criteria giving us a total impression, called the "imaging phenotype". Since the interpretation of adrenal imaging is not black and white, you need a team and a surgeon who is experienced and has great judgment. In many cases we can never know for sure whether the tumor is cancerous short of removing it via adrenalectomy. It should be noted, this is far from a perfect science. The "imaging phenotype" describes all aspects of what the tumor looks like on your scan and helps us arrive at the correct diagnosis, including the likelihood of cancer. We carefully analyze the "imaging phenotype" of the tumor. When we look at the imaging of the adrenal gland whether it is an ultrasound, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine (MIBG, PET, etc) scan or other imaging study, we need to have a whole-person approach and evaluate all aspects of the tumor and the patient. Carling has reviewed thousands of adrenal tumor scans. Carling meticulously studies a CT scan prior to a Mini Back Scope Adrenalectomy (MBSA) operation. Some of these tests are better than others and are therefore used routinely, while one or two are used infrequently yet can yield important information when positive.ĭr. There are 4 primary radiological (x-ray) tests to examine the adrenal glands (and the rest of the abdomen) for the presence of a tumor (the word "tumor" simply means "mass". What X-Rays and Scans are Best for Adrenal Tumors? Cushing Syndrome: Primary Hypercortisolism.Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome Tumors).

Conn's Syndrome: Primary Hyperaldosteronism.
