Incidentaloma

Incidentaloma is a term used in medicine to describe a tumor or mass that is discovered by coincidence without clinical symptoms or suspicion. Like many medical discoveries, these are often found during diagnostic testing or treatment for other conditions. The term "incidentaloma" was coined in 1978 to describe adrenal masses incidentally discovered during abdominal imaging. Since then, the term has expanded to include incidentally discovered masses in other locations such as the brain, thyroid, kidneys, and liver.

Definition[edit | edit source]

An incidentaloma is a mass or lesion found by coincidence without clinical symptoms or suspicion. These incidental findings are often discovered during diagnostic testing or treatment for other medical conditions. The term is a portmanteau of "incidental" and "-oma", a suffix used in pathology to indicate a tumor or neoplasm.

Types[edit | edit source]

Incidentalomas can be found in various parts of the body, including but not limited to:

Adrenal incidentaloma: An incidentaloma found in the adrenal glands.
Thyroid incidentaloma: An incidentaloma found in the thyroid gland.
Pituitary incidentaloma: An incidentaloma found in the pituitary gland.
Renal incidentaloma: An incidentaloma found in the kidneys.
Hepatic incidentaloma: An incidentaloma found in the liver.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of an incidentaloma often involves imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. The type of imaging test used often depends on the location of the incidentaloma. For example, a CT scan or MRI might be used to diagnose an adrenal incidentaloma, while an ultrasound might be used for a thyroid incidentaloma.

Management[edit | edit source]

The management of incidentalomas depends on several factors, including the size and location of the mass, the patient's overall health, and the potential risk of malignancy. In some cases, watchful waiting may be recommended, especially if the incidentaloma is small and does not cause any symptoms. In other cases, surgical removal may be necessary.