Work

Metastatic Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Presenting as Unilateral Adrenal Incidentaloma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objective: The widespread use of cross-sectional imaging has led to increased detection of adrenal incidentalomas (AI), most of which are benign. However, a small fraction of AIs are malignant, with a significantly higher risk in patients with a history of cancer. Case Report: Sixty-nine-year-old woman with a remote history of invasive ductal breast carcinoma and thyroid carcinoma in remission presented with chronic abdominal pain. Imaging revealed 2 enlarging, right adrenal nodules with indeterminate features and no uptake on PET-CT. Hormonal tests indicated a nonfunctioning adrenal mass. Due to continued growth, she underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Histopathology revealed metastatic breast carcinoma, and she subsequently initiated systemic chemotherapy. Discussion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by AIs in patients with known cancer and provides valuable insights into the detection and management of adrenal metastases. Conclusion: Timely surgical intervention allowed for definitive diagnosis and appropriate oncologic management, highlighting the importance of individualized evaluation and multidisciplinary decision-making in cases of AIs.

Source: AACE Endocrinology and Diabetes

DOI: 10.1016/j.aed.2025.07.003

Authors: Ashni Dharia, Kurlya Yan, Saira Varghese Mammen, Madeline Myers, Janice Ahn, Gayatri Jaiswal

Institutions: Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Allegheny Health Network