Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Spontaneous Breast Cancer Metastasis
Published on: August 14, 2016
Hematopoietically Active Adrenal Myelolipoma Mimicking Breast Cancer Metastasis
John J Manov1, Alexander Diaz-Bode2, Russ Kuker3
1From the Department of Radiology.
Abstract:
A 66-year old woman had a left breast mass. Biopsy showed invasive ductal carcinoma. A PET/CT scan demonstrated hypermetabolism in the left breast and atypical heterogeneously increased uptake throughout the skeleton as well as a minimally FDG-avid right adrenal myelolipoma. PET/CT 4 months later after 6 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy demonstrated increased size and FDG avidity of this adrenal mass concerning for metastasis and uniformly increased skeletal FDG avidity. Biopsy demonstrated adrenal myelolipoma. The growth and increased FDG avidity of the adrenal myelolipoma were due to the action of colony-stimulating factors on the tumor's hematopoietic component.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct...
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and...
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

