The adenoma is distinguished from nodular hyperplasia by its solitary, circumscribed nature. The functional status of an adrenocortical adenoma cannot be predicted from its gross or microscopic appearance.
Adrenocortical adenoma
A and B: Adrenal cortical adenoma. Both tumors are well circumscribed, of homogeneous appearance, without hemorrhage or necrosis. They are typically golden yellow in color
Adrenocortical adenoma
The tumor shows numerous lipid-laden clear cells similar to those of the normal fasciculata layer.
Adrenal cortical adenoma
Adrenal cortical carcinoma
A large tumor that exhibits areas of hemorrhage and necrosis.A large tumor that exhibits areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. The tumor shown here has destroyed the upper pole of the kidney.
There is nuclear hyperchromasia, diffuse pattern of growth, and mitotic activity.
Adrenal cortical carcinomalarge cells with considerable variations in size and with many bizarre nuclei. There were tumor cells lying free within veins. This finding was significant because 2 years after surgical removal patient developed pulmonary metastases.