FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF THE ADRENAL-GLAND

Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (3) , 269-282
Abstract
The cytologic appearance of fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens emanating from both symptomatic and incidental masses of the adrenal glands in 22 patients from 1976-1981 is described. Eligibility for the study required thorough clinical and radiologic follow-up for at least 2 yr following the initial cytologic diagnosis. Histologic and ultrastructural correlations were performed when possible. Nine patients were found to have benign lesions, including 5 adrenal cysts, 2 adenomas, 1 nodular hyperplasia and 1 adrenal myelolipoma. Thirteen patients had malignant lesions, of which 6 were primary adrenal tumors, either neuroblastoma (2) or adrenocortical carcinoma (4). The overall sensitivity of FNA in detecting the presence of malignancy was 85%, while the number of patients correctly classified for all adrenal masses was 90%. The test was 100% specific for malignant lesions. FNA of adrenal masses is a safe and simple procedure with a high degree of accuracy. Its use appears to be especially justified in those patients with primary neoplasms of nonadrenal sites, in whom silent adrenal lesions are detected during radiologic surveys for metastatic disease. Of the patients, 15 fell into this category, yet over half (53%) had benign adrenal lesions, treatable with a conservative approach.