Imaging of Endocrine-Active Malignant Tumors

The diagnosis of malignant endocrine-active tumors is a biochemical, not a radiological responsibility. As in the case of benign endocrine tumors, the role of the radiologist is largely one of localization. The distinction between benign and malignant endocrine-active tumors cannot be based on radiological findings unless there is evidence of metastatic disease. Aside from size, arteriographic, ultrasonic, and CT findings cannot reliably distinguish between benign and malignant endocrine tumors. This is not surprising, since the histologic diagnosis often must be based on the presence of metastases and not on histologic criteria of malignancy.