Observations on cortical nodules in human adrenal glands.Their relationship to neoplasia

Observations are reported on the characteristics of adrenocortical nodules in human adrenals in several circumstances. It is shown that they may differ biochemically from the surrounding cortex and from each other and that on occasion may have some structural and functional characteristics considered to be typical of adenomas. The occurrence of hyperplasia and adenoma sequentially in the same patients as a cause of Cushing's disease also is noted. The possible relationships of hyperplasia and benign neoplasia in the adrenal cortex is discussed.