The clinical significance of the conceptual update to "sporadic nodular adrenocortical disease"
10.3760/cma.j.cn112330-20250506-00185
- VernacularTitle:“散发性结节性肾上腺皮质病”概念更新的临床意义
- Author:
Guoyang ZHENG
1
;
Yushi ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. 中国医学科学院北京协和医学院北京协和医院泌尿外科，北京 100730
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Adrenal cortex diseases;
Sporadic;
Nodular;
Conceptual update
- From:
Chinese Journal of Urology
2025;46(7):503-505
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In the latest fifth edition of the World Health Organization（WHO）classification of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors released in 2022，updates were made to the categorization of adrenocortical nodular diseases. The new term “sporadic nodular adrenocortical disease” has replaced “adrenocortical nodular hyperplasia” to describe incidentally detected，non-functional benign adrenocortical nodules with the diameter < 1 cm. This revised nomenclature reflects a deeper understanding of the nature of such conditions，emphasizing a shift from "hyperplastic changes" to the recognition of these nodules as independent monoclonal proliferative lesions. Sporadic nodular adrenocortical disease typically does not require surgical intervention and is managed primarily through outpatient follow-up and monitoring. Clinicians are advised to conduct systematic and standardized evaluations for patients presenting with adrenocortical nodules to avoid unnecessary surgeries or overtreatment. This article provides a concise commentary on the clinical implications of the conceptual updates to sporadic nodular adrenocortical disease outlined in the new WHO classification.
