Etymed
adrenal adenoma
Definition
A tumor arising from glandular tissue of the adrenal gland
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with hypertension, headache, and weight gain over the past 6 months. Physical examination reveals moon face and buffalo hump. Laboratory studies show elevated cortisol levels with loss of circadian rhythm. CT scan of the abdomen reveals a 3cm mass in the right adrenal gland. The patient undergoes adrenalectomy and pathology confirms a benign tumor arising from glandular tissue of the adrenal gland.
Mnemonic
ADD-EN-OMA: Adrenal DEXTRA-Adenoma - Remember that adenomas arise from glandular tissue, and the 'ADD' stands for adrenal, while 'EN' refers to endocrine, and 'OMA' reminds us of the benign nature of most adrenal adenomas.