The primary function of the adrenal glands is to produce hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline.

The adrenal glands in cattle are located at the top and middle edge of each kidney, sitting in the fat close to where the kidney connects to blood vessels.

They appear as golden-yellow to orange-coloured triangular shaped glands (Photo 1).

Photo 1: Adrenal Gland (Salut Agencia de Salut Publica de Catalunya)

Adrenal carcinomas frequently occur in cattle. They are malignant and often invade the vena cava and metastasise to the lungs and liver (Photo 2).

Adrenal carcinoma

Adrenal carcinoma removed

Adrenal carcinomas primary lesions are found in the adrenal gland and when metastases occur, they are often found in either the lung or liver . Metastases in the lungs are detected as polypoid (a growth that sticks out from the surface), soft, red or red and yellow masses.

Adrenal carcinoma lesions can invade the vena cava via the adrenal vein

Inspection procedure

The Australian standard AS 4696 does not specifically address the inspection of the adrenal gland however it does require the inspection of organs that are associated with adrenal carcinoma disease.

Adrenal carcinomas are frequently identified when metastases in the lungs are observed, prompting thorough examination and ultimately leading to the discovery of the primary tumour within the adrenal gland.

It is considered best practice for meat inspectors to routinely observe the adrenal gland to detect adrenal carcinomas.

Australian standard, - AS4696- 2023

Schedule 2: Procedures for Post-Mortem Inspection states for cattle and buffalo:

Summary of Table 1 & 2 Procedures for post-mortem inspection of carcases and viscera

Australian Standard Schedule 3: Ante-mortem and Post-mortem dispositions

DAFF Post-mortem decision notes

Neoplasms (malignant and benign)

· A carcase affected by a malignant neoplasm is condemned together with its carcase parts. In assessing malignancy, the following factors are considered:

o Evidence of metastasis.

            o Tissue invasiveness.

o Signs of rapid growth - for example, a tumour outgrowing its blood supply resulting in a lesion with a necrotic centre or haemorrhagic foci.

 · A carcase affected by a benign neoplasm is dealt with in accordance with the following:

o If the general carcase condition is adversely affected, the carcase and its carcase parts are condemned.

o If the lesion is localised and the general carcase condition is not adversely affected; the lesion is removed and condemned together with a margin of normal tissue. The remainder of the carcase and its carcase parts may be passed as fit for human consumption.

· Notwithstanding the above general rules, carcases affected with any of the following specific neoplasms are judged as follows: