Which imaging characteristic is commonly associated with adrenal cortical cancer?

Which imaging characteristic is commonly associated with adrenal cortical cancer?

• A. Simple, homogeneous appearance
• B. Calcifications always absent
• C. Size less than 3 cm
• D. Complex appearance

Answer: (D)

Imaging features of adrenal cortical carcinoma reflect its aggressive, heterogeneous nature. The mass is typically large and shows a mix of solid areas, necrosis, hemorrhage, and sometimes cystic change, with irregular or nodular enhancement. This combination creates a complex, nonuniform appearance on CT or MRI, which is the hallmark that makes this option the best fit for ACC. A simple, homogeneous appearance is more characteristic of benign adrenal adenomas rather than carcinomas. Calcifications can be present in ACC, so stating they are always absent isn’t accurate. And ACCs are usually larger than 3 cm, often markedly bigger, so a size under 3 cm would be atypical for this cancer.

Imaging features of adrenal cortical carcinoma reflect its aggressive, heterogeneous nature. The mass is typically large and shows a mix of solid areas, necrosis, hemorrhage, and sometimes cystic change, with irregular or nodular enhancement. This combination creates a complex, nonuniform appearance on CT or MRI, which is the hallmark that makes this option the best fit for ACC.

A simple, homogeneous appearance is more characteristic of benign adrenal adenomas rather than carcinomas. Calcifications can be present in ACC, so stating they are always absent isn’t accurate. And ACCs are usually larger than 3 cm, often markedly bigger, so a size under 3 cm would be atypical for this cancer.