Book an appointmentHomeBlogAbout usDr. TeresitaPressEducation
ThyroidWeight managementMenopausePCOSGender dysphoriaHormonal health
Español

Services

Endocrinology
In-person appointmentVirtual appointment
DiabetesThyroidWeight managementMenopauseOsteoporosisPCOSGender-affirming careHormonal disordersPituitary careGrowth and development

Social media

Educational article

Finding on an Adrenal Gland: Questions to Understand What Comes Next

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 5 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

Leer este artículo en español
An endocrinologist in Bogotá reviews a report of an adrenal finding with an adult and explains the evaluation steps.
The evaluation brings together the imaging report, clinical context, and, when appropriate, hormone tests.

What does it mean to find something on an adrenal gland?

The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys. Sometimes, a CT scan or MRI ordered for another reason shows a lesion or nodule on one of them. A finding detected this way is often called an adrenal incidentaloma. The term describes how it was found, but it does not, by itself, determine what it is or what management it requires.

Myth: “If it appears in the report, I already have a disease”

Not necessarily. To understand the finding, the medical team considers the imaging features and clinical context; they may also assess whether hormone production should be evaluated. A phrase taken from the report alone is not enough to establish a diagnosis.

Question 1: What features in the report should I review?

Ask what the report says about the lesion’s location and appearance, and which details matter when deciding on next steps. Interpretation depends on the study and clinical assessment; a measurement or a phrase in the report does not allow conclusions to be drawn about an individual case. Bring the complete report, not just a photograph or excerpt.

Question 2: Are there earlier studies to compare?

Ask whether it would be helpful to review previous CT scans or MRIs. A comparison may provide context, but its significance should be determined by considering all the information available. If you have the earlier images as well as their reports, bring them or ask how to share them.

Myth: “Imaging can tell whether the lesion produces hormones”

Imaging shows features of a structure, but it does not measure hormone production on its own. Depending on the finding, medical history, and other clinical information, the team may consider a separate hormone evaluation.

Question 3: Should I have hormone tests, and which ones?

Ask whether evaluating hormone production is recommended in your case and what each test is intended to assess. Not everyone needs the same tests; the selection depends on the clinical assessment. Tell the team about the medications you take and your medical history. Do not stop or change any treatment on your own; ask the team ordering the tests for instructions.

Question 4: Who will coordinate follow-up, and when?

Clarify who will review the imaging and results, which professional will coordinate follow-up, and when it would be appropriate to discuss the case again. The timing depends on the individual situation; there is no single interval that applies to everyone. If you are unsure whom to contact, ask which channel to use to get your questions answered.

How to prepare for the conversation

Bring the complete radiology report and, if possible, the current and previous images. Write down your questions, relevant medical history, medications you take, and any symptoms you want to discuss, if you have any. An endocrinology evaluation in Bogotá may help integrate the clinical, radiological, and hormonal information. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace a medical appointment.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is every incidental adrenal finding cancer?

No. The finding alone does not establish that it is cancer or that it is necessarily benign. It should be interpreted together with the imaging, clinical context, and, when appropriate, hormone evaluation.

Do I need a hormone test just because a CT scan showed a lesion?

There is no general answer. Ask your medical team whether hormone production should be evaluated in your case and how the tests are selected.

Should I request surgery or new imaging right away?

Do not make that decision based only on the report. The medical team can explain whether any additional step is needed and what it would be for, taking your circumstances and the complete findings into account.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

Book an appointmentMeet Dr. Teresita CortésDiscover EndomédicosExplore related care

More articles about Adrenal glands