Centennial history and development of adrenal tumor treatment from exploring and innovating the PUMCH pattern

In the past century of diagnosing and treating adrenal tumors, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has explored the pathophysiology, tissue anatomy, endocrine, and biochemical examination. Additionally, specific radionuclide scanning, multidisciplinary discussion of complex cases, continuous improvement of surgical methods, wide application of minimally invasive surgery, continuous exploration of molecular mechanism, gene diagnosis, and other aspects of the disease has been studied to explore a set of PUMCH model for diagnosing and treating adrenal tumors. Secondary hypertension is harmful and is often associated with adrenal tumors; thus, we need to exclude the confusing causes related to adrenal tumors, such as hyperthyroidism, menopausal symptoms, idiopathic tidal fever, hyperadrenergic attack, renal vascular disease, hypoglycemia, postural tachycardia syndrome, mast cell disease, and carcinoid syndrome. At the beginning of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, there were many patients with adrenal tumors. By observing clinical symptoms and signs, biochemical tests, autopsy, and pathological anatomy, valuable data were obtained, making patients benefit from the study. Furthermore, huge clinical and tissue specimen databases were established, laying a good foundation for future clinical research. This article reviews the history of adrenal tumor diagnosis and treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the related progress at home and abroad in taking the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal surgical diseases to a new level and coping with new future challenges.