Characteristics and Time Trend Prevalence in Adrenal Tumors: Insights from a Single-Center Experience over a 22-Year Period

Background/Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to analyze the temporal trends in the prevalence of adrenal tumors diagnosed over a 22 years’ period (2001-2022) in a university hospital in Romania. Additionally, our goal was to highlight and illustrate the demographic and histo-pathological features of these rare tumors within our population. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 116 cases of adrenal lesions registered in our institution. Data was analyzed in a comparative way, by dividing the study period into two equal 11 years’ time-intervals: 2001-2011 vs. 2012-2022. Results: Within our study population, the most common lesions were adenomas (31.9%), followed by pheochromocytomas (24.1%), and adrenal cortical carcinomas (11.2%); other lesions (eg. cysts, myeloliopma, etc.) were rare. Adrenal surgeries increased by 36% in the last 11 years (n=49 cases in 2001-2011 vs. n=67 cases in 2012-2022, p=0.095). The prevalence of adrenal adenomas almost doubled in the second study period (38.8% vs. 22.4%, p=0.014). Pheochromocytomas remained constant, revealing a similar prevalence (around 24%) in both time periods. Carcinomas’ prevalence was lower in 2012-2022 compared to 2001-2011 (7.4% vs. 16.3%, p=0.405). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated an increased prevalence of adrenal tumors in our institution over the last 11 years (2011-2022) compared to the previous period (2001- 2011). Adrenal cortical adenomas were the most common tumors, with a prevalence that was almost double between 2011-2022 vs. 2001-2011. They were followed by pheochromocytomas, which showed a constant prevalence, and by cortical carcinomas whose prevalence has decreased over the past decade in our institution.