Abdomen | ct / mri
Adrenal Adenoma
An adrenal adenoma is a common type of adrenal nodule that is often benign. Imaging may suggest adenoma when the lesion has reassuring features, but doctors still consider size, growth, and whether the lesion could produce hormones.
An adrenal adenoma is a usually benign adrenal gland nodule often found incidentally.
Need Help With Your Own Report?
Understand Your Radiology Report
Paste your radiology report into RadDx and get a calm, plain-English explanation of the report language.
Educational only. RadDx helps explain report wording and does not replace clinician guidance.
Works with CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray reports.
What it means
An adrenal adenoma is a common type of adrenal nodule that is often benign. Imaging may suggest adenoma when the lesion has reassuring features, but doctors still consider size, growth, and whether the lesion could produce hormones.
Also seen as: adrenal incidentaloma, adrenal nodule.
How common it is
Incidental adrenal nodules are common on abdominal imaging.
Common incidental adrenal finding
Adrenal nodules are frequently reported on abdominal CT and MRI performed for other reasons.
Common causes
- Benign adrenal adenoma
- Incidental adrenal mass with benign features
- Other adrenal tumors
- Metastatic disease in some settings
When doctors worry
- The lesion is large, growing, or indeterminate
- The report mentions atypical density or suspicious enhancement
- Symptoms or lab findings suggest hormone production
Typical follow-up
- Review imaging features
- Consider endocrine lab work
- Monitor selected lesions over time
Example report wording
Left adrenal adenoma.
See phrase explanationIndeterminate adrenal nodule, correlation with dedicated adrenal protocol recommended.
See phrase explanation
Common report phrases linked to this finding
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
"Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis." is radiology report language linked to gallstones and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
"Diffuse hepatic steatosis." is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Indeterminate adrenal nodule, correlation with dedicated adrenal protocol recommended.
"Indeterminate adrenal nodule, correlation with dedicated adrenal protocol recommended." is radiology report language linked to adrenal adenoma and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Left adrenal adenoma.
"Left adrenal adenoma." is radiology report language linked to adrenal adenoma and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Frequently asked questions
Does adenoma mean cancer?
No. Adenoma generally suggests a benign gland-related growth.
Why might hormone testing be suggested?
Some adrenal lesions can produce hormones, so clinicians may order labs.
Related symptom guides
These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.
Flank Pain: Imaging Findings Doctors May Look For
Flank pain can reflect kidney, ureter, musculoskeletal, or referred abdominal causes. Imaging is used when stone disease, obstruction, infection, or another structural issue is suspected.
Pain Under the Right Rib: Imaging-Related Causes Doctors May Consider
Pain under the right rib can come from the gallbladder, liver, chest wall, lung, or nearby abdominal structures. Imaging is used to clarify cause when symptoms, exam findings, or lab tests raise concern.
Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Radiology Findings That May Be Relevant
Right upper quadrant pain is a common reason for abdominal imaging. Doctors often evaluate the gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and nearby lung base depending on the presentation.
Upper Abdominal Pain: What Imaging Can and Cannot Clarify
Upper abdominal pain can overlap with gallbladder, liver, stomach, pancreas, spleen, or lower chest causes. Imaging helps when the source is uncertain or symptoms suggest a structural problem.
Clear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.
Sources
Sources and medical review process
RadDx finding pages are written for patient education using consumer-friendly radiology references, plain-language terminology resources, and cautious summary review of common imaging follow-up frameworks.
- Reviewed by
- RadDx Editorial Team
- Last reviewed
- March 10, 2026
- RadiologyInfo.org
RSNA and ACR
- MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
National Cancer Institute
Sources are used for patient education context and terminology support. They do not replace clinician review of your individual report.
Important Notice
Educational use only. RadDx does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or clinician supervision.
Not for emergencies. If you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate care.
Do not submit names, dates of birth, phone numbers, MRNs, addresses, or other identifying health information.