About this Research Topic
The field of molecular and biochemistry diagnostics of adrenal tumors is rapidly evolving, driven by the need to accurately diagnose and manage these complex conditions. Adrenal incidentalomas, which are radiologically discovered tumors, have a prevalence of up to 4.2% and can represent a variety of pathologies. While the majority of these tumors are non-functioning cortical adenomas, a significant subset has important clinical implications, such as adrenocortical cancer and pheochromocytomas. Malignancy is diagnosed in 5% to 8% of patients, with a higher risk observed in younger individuals. The management of small adrenal incidentalomas remains a clinical challenge, primarily due to uncertainties in their diagnosis and treatment. Current diagnostic approaches rely heavily on biochemical and molecular testing, which is divided into pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages. However, various analytical factors can influence the results, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic methods and a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
This research topic aims to explore the advances and challenges in the biochemistry and molecular diagnostics of adrenal tumors, focusing on the pitfalls in laboratory diagnostics. The objective is to address specific questions related to the efficacy and accuracy of current diagnostic techniques, as well as to test hypotheses regarding the potential of new biomarkers and diagnostic technologies. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to enhance the understanding of adrenal tumor diagnostics and improve clinical outcomes for patients.
To gather further insights into the molecular and biochemistry diagnostics of adrenal tumors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Metabolomics and proteomics in diagnostics of adrenal tumors
• Progress in diagnostics of adrenal tumors (new and current biomarkers in laboratory diagnostics, newer immunoassays and chromatography techniques: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC in diagnostics of adrenal tumours);
• Molecular studies focusing on the mechanisms of adrenal tumors
• Pitfalls in molecular and biochemistry diagnostics of adrenal tumors
• Epidemiology of adrenal tumors
This research topic aims to explore the advances and challenges in the biochemistry and molecular diagnostics of adrenal tumors, focusing on the pitfalls in laboratory diagnostics. The objective is to address specific questions related to the efficacy and accuracy of current diagnostic techniques, as well as to test hypotheses regarding the potential of new biomarkers and diagnostic technologies. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to enhance the understanding of adrenal tumor diagnostics and improve clinical outcomes for patients.
To gather further insights into the molecular and biochemistry diagnostics of adrenal tumors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Metabolomics and proteomics in diagnostics of adrenal tumors
• Progress in diagnostics of adrenal tumors (new and current biomarkers in laboratory diagnostics, newer immunoassays and chromatography techniques: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC in diagnostics of adrenal tumours);
• Molecular studies focusing on the mechanisms of adrenal tumors
• Pitfalls in molecular and biochemistry diagnostics of adrenal tumors
• Epidemiology of adrenal tumors
Keywords: adrenal tumors, pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, primary aldosteronism, adrenal incidentaloma, cushing syndrome, adrenocortical carcinoma
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
