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Adrenocortical oncocytoma. A true nonfunctioning adrenocortical tumor
1Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
We identified three cases of a rare adrenal tumor, adrenocortical oncocytoma. These nonfunctioning neoplasms lacked key steroidogenic enzymes, indicating they do not produce adrenal hormones.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Adrenocortical neoplasms are rare and can present with hormonal imbalances.
- Incidental findings on abdominal imaging prompt further investigation.
Observation:
- Three cases of incidentally discovered adrenocortical neoplasms were analyzed.
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination revealed specific cellular characteristics.
- Immunohistochemistry showed a lack of steroidogenic enzyme expression.
Findings:
- The neoplasms exhibited compact cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and enlarged nuclei.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed abundant mitochondria in one case.
- Absence of mitotic activity and vascular invasion was noted.
Implications:
- These findings represent the first reported cases of adrenocortical oncocytoma.
- The tumors are considered true nonfunctioning neoplasms due to the lack of steroidogenic enzyme expression.
- Adrenocortical oncocytoma is a distinct entity that does not contribute to corticosteroid biosynthesis.