Adrenal-Oncocytic Tumor: An Unusual Cause of Secondary Hypertension in a Young South African Male

Tumors with oncocytic features are characterized histologically by cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and by the ultrastructural presence of numerous closely packed mitochondria. Adrenal oncocytic tumors are very rare. We describe the case of a 36-year old white male who was newly diagnosed with hypertension and referred for evaluation. An abdominal computer tomography scan revealed a right adrenal tumor, which was removed surgically. The final diagnosis was made histologically on the excised tumor specimen. Hypertension in this patient was cured by the removal of the tumor. Adrenal oncocytic tumors are often benign, non-functional tumors that rarely cause hypertension. The diagnosis and assessment of metastatic potential can be made with histology and appropriate immunohistochemical stains. Removal of the tumor is necessary as some may have a malignant potential. Long-term follow-up is important in these patients in view of the difficulty in accurately predicting biological behavior.