Understanding Adrenal Adenoma, also known as Adrenal Cortical Adenoma or Benign Adrenal Tumor? This resource provides information on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for Adrenal Adenoma. Learn about relevant healthcare terms for accurate medical records and effective communication with clinicians. Explore insights for proper medical coding and billing related to Adrenal Adenoma and Benign Adrenal Tumors.
Also known as
Hyperaldosteronism
Overproduction of aldosterone by adrenal adenoma.
Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland
Non-cancerous tumor of the adrenal gland.
Disorders of thyroid, other endocrine glands
Includes various adrenal gland disorders like adenomas.
Cushing's syndrome
Hormonal disorder sometimes caused by adrenal adenoma.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the adrenal adenoma functioning?
Yes
Is it aldosterone-producing?
No
Code as D35.0 (Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland)
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Benign tumor of the adrenal gland. |
| Cancerous tumor of the adrenal gland. |
| Overgrowth of adrenal gland tissue. |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for adrenal adenoma impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.
Distinguishing functioning (hormone-secreting) vs. non-functioning adenomas is crucial for proper coding and clinical management.
Coding must reflect whether the adrenal adenoma was discovered incidentally or is causing symptoms, influencing clinical decisions.
Q: How can I differentiate between a non-functioning adrenal adenoma and a subclinical Cushing's syndrome in a patient with an incidentally discovered adrenal mass?
A: Differentiating between a non-functioning adrenal adenoma and subclinical Cushing's syndrome, especially in incidentally discovered adrenal masses, requires a thorough evaluation. While both may present asymptomatically initially, subclinical Cushing's can have long-term consequences. Key differentiators include hormonal evaluation: suppressed morning plasma ACTH, elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol, and lack of suppression with a 1mg dexamethasone suppression test suggest subclinical Cushing's. Imaging characteristics, such as size and homogeneity, can be helpful but are not definitive. Consider implementing a dedicated adrenal protocol CT for enhanced imaging assessment. If hormonal tests are borderline, consider further evaluation with a late-night salivary cortisol. Explore how dedicated endocrine testing can help clarify the diagnosis and guide management. For larger adenomas (>4cm), even if non-functioning, surgical resection may be warranted. Learn more about the current guidelines for managing adrenal incidentalomas.
Q: What are the best imaging modalities for characterizing adrenal adenomas, and what specific features should I look for to assess malignancy risk?
A: Characterizing adrenal adenomas and assessing malignancy risk relies on a combination of imaging modalities and clinical findings. While unenhanced CT is often the initial imaging study, dedicated adrenal protocol CT with washout calculations is considered the gold standard. Look for features like size, shape, homogeneity, and contrast washout characteristics to help differentiate between benign adenomas and potential adrenocortical carcinoma. Chemical shift MRI can also be helpful, particularly in differentiating adenomas from lipid-poor lesions. Specific features suggesting malignancy include size greater than 4cm, irregular margins, heterogeneous enhancement, rapid washout (<50% at 10 minutes), and invasion of adjacent structures. Explore how combining different imaging modalities can enhance diagnostic accuracy. If imaging findings raise concerns for malignancy, consider referral to a specialized center for further evaluation and management. Learn more about the role of biopsy in indeterminate adrenal lesions.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of adrenal adenoma, including [specific patient symptoms, e.g., hypertension, hypokalemia, fatigue, weight gain]. Differential diagnosis includes primary aldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma. Physical examination revealed [relevant findings, e.g., palpable abdominal mass, elevated blood pressure]. Laboratory findings include [specific lab results, e.g., elevated aldosterone, low renin, elevated cortisol]. Imaging studies, including abdominal CT scan with adrenal protocol and/or MRI, demonstrate a [size] cm, well-circumscribed adrenal mass consistent with an adrenal cortical adenoma. The patient's clinical presentation, biochemical profile, and radiographic findings support the diagnosis of adrenal adenoma. Management options include adrenalectomy versus observation depending on hormonal activity, tumor size, and patient preference. Risks and benefits of each approach were discussed with the patient. Follow-up imaging and hormonal evaluation are recommended. ICD-10 code D35.0 (Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland) is applicable. This documentation supports medical necessity for diagnostic testing and treatment of adrenal adenoma.