Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to incidental adrenal mass.

Finding an adrenal mass incidentally during a routine CT scan of the abdomen has occurred with increasing frequency since the introduction of the CT scan. Most of the reported tumors have been nonfunctional and benign adrenal adenomas. Other benign adrenal tumors also have been reported. The functional capacity and size of the tumor, the age of the patient, and the radiologic features of the mass are important factors in differentiating malignant from benign adrenal tumors. A diagnostic and therapeutic approach is recommended to avoid unnecessary surgery for benign disease.