Adrenal myelolipoma

Adrenal myelolipoma is a benign, non-cancerous tumor that arises in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.

These tumors are characterized by the presence of mature adipose (fat) tissue and hematopoietic (blood-forming) elements, resembling bone marrow.

Although they are typically asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions, larger myelolipomas can cause abdominal pain or discomfort due to pressure on surrounding structures.

The condition affects the adrenal glands, part of the endocrine system responsible for producing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Myelolipomas are generally non-functioning, meaning they do not produce hormones, and thus do not usually interfere with the hormonal balance in the body.

However, in rare cases, they may be associated with hormonal overproduction if they coexist with other adrenal pathologies.

Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can effectively differentiate myelolipoma from other adrenal masses due to its characteristic appearance involving fat density.

Management is often conservative, with regular monitoring of the tumor size and any associated symptoms.

Surgical intervention may be necessary if the tumor grows significantly or causes symptoms.

Understanding adrenal myelolipomas is crucial for healthcare providers to appropriately manage and reassure patients with this often incidental finding.

It underscores the importance of imaging in not only the diagnosis but also in the ongoing surveillance of adrenal masses.