Published online Oct 31, 2003.
https://doi.org/10.16956/kjes.2003.3.2.147
Clinical Analysis of Adrenal Tumors
Abstract
Purpose
Adrenal tumor is relatively rare disease. But according to the development of diagnostic tools, their incidence is rising. Therefore, new concept of surgical treatment for adrenal tumor should be established.
Methods
We analysed medical records for 41 cases of adrenal tumor patients who was performed adrenalectomy at Samsung Medical Center from Sep. 1994 to Apr. 1997.
Results
39 cases were adenoma and 2 were adenocarcinoma. 24 cases were functioning tumors. Of these, 4 were Cushing's syndrome, 12 were pheochromocytoma and 8 were primary aldosteronism. Mean age for the patients was 45.6 years old. Among various diagnostic tools, abdominal CT scan was particularly helpful for diagnosis and localization. 2 cases of pheochromocytoma were MEN II. So, when we treat pheochromocytoma, a possibility of MEN II should be considered.
Conclusion
2 cases of 12 pheochromocytoma were proven to MEN II. So, when we treat pheochromocytoma, a possibility of MEN II should be considered. Considering improvement of surgical technique, such as laparoscopic adrenalectomy, we could consider more aggressive treatment for adrenal tumors.
