Should all adrenal nodules be evaluated with percutaneous biopsy?
- No. Percutaneous biopsy is reserved for patients who have a history of extraadrenal malignancy with an adrenal mass, and only if the results of the biopsy will alter the treatment plan for the extraadrenal malignancy.
- Pheochromocytoma must be excluded with biochemical testing prior to biopsy to avoid potentially precipitating a hypertensive crisis.
- Percutaneous biopsy cannot differentiate an adrenal adenoma from an adrenocortical carcinoma.
