24 hour urine collection for metanephrine level, creatinine level.Alternative to above plasma free metanephrines:.24 hour urine collection for cortisol level, creatinine level.Removal is recommended for nodules over 6 cm, or over 4 cm in young, healthy patients.Īlternative to above low dose dexamethasone test: Very rarely, the nodule can be cancerous. Therefore, some experts recommend blood work every year for three to four years for nodules larger than 3 cm. However, 20% of nodules larger than 3 cm can show excess hormone production on repeat testing. Nodules less than 3 cm that do not make extra hormones are not likely to make extra hormones on repeat testing. Imaging studies such as CT or MRI are recommended at 6, 12 and 24 months after the nodule is first seen. If the nodule is over 1 cm, blood work is recommended to see if the nodule is making excess hormones. However, about 10% of the time, the nodule can make too much hormone and cause problems in the body. Most of these nodules do not cause any harm and can be left alone. By 70 years of age, up to 7% of people have a nodule in the adrenal gland. An adrenal nodule is a growth in the adrenal gland. They make several hormones important for normal body function. The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys, one on each side of the body. 7Loudoun Medical Group Interventional Radiology Center.

Adrenal glands and kidney function