Non-functioning tumours of the adrenal cortex

Twelve cases of non-functioning adrenal tumours are presented. All were discovered incidentally during radiological investigation of abdominal conditions or staging of known malignancies. Adrenal tumours in patients with known malignancies are not necessarily metastases. Size remains the most important factor in determining their management and tumours larger than 3.5 cm should be operated on because of the possibility of malignancy. Smaller tumours should be assessed by computed tomography (CT) every 3 months for 1 year. Any change in contour, margin, density or hormone function during the follow-up period indicates the need for surgery.