Milica Nebojša Zirojević

Dr. Milica Nebojša Zirojević

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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15 November 2024 in Biomolecules and Biomedicine
Verified
Journal Article
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DNDragana Tomic Tomic Naglic
Dragana Tomic Tomic Naglic
AMAljoša Mandić
Aljoša Mandić
MZMilica Nebojša Zirojević
Milica Nebojša Zirojević
Nikolina VukovicNikolina Vukovic
Nikolina Vukovic
SPSlađana Pejaković
Slađana Pejaković
ESEdita Stokić
Edita Stokić
This review examines hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in cases of surgical menopause following gynecological malignancies. It aims to capture current knowledge, summarize recent findings, and provide recommendations for clinical settings. Unlike natural menopause, surgical menopause occurs abruptly, without an adjustment period, and is associated with a notably higher risk of fractures, arthritis, cognitive decline, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and various metabolic disorders affecting glucose and lipid levels—all of which contribute to an increased risk of major cardiovascular events. In 2017, The North American Menopause Society recommended that, barring contraindications, HRT should be initiated in women who enter surgical menopause before age 45. If these women do not experience vasomotor symptoms or other issues, HRT should be maintained consistently at least until age 52. This guideline reflects contemporary knowledge and is the result of a multidisciplinary consensus, based on a review of existing literature and several randomized clinical trials focusing on women who have survived gynecological cancers and whose quality of life is significantly impacted by surgical or early menopause. Estrogen supplementation is particularly beneficial, as it is linked to marked improvements in quality of life, including delayed onset of chronic cardiovascular issues, reduced fracture risk, enhanced cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and improved self-esteem, as well as better social and work performance. Clinical implementation of HRT, however, requires a highly individualized approach. This approach must consider the type and stage of malignancy, histopathological characteristics, risk factors for recurrence (such as diet, concurrent medications, medical history, and genetic predispositions), and a thorough assessment of the potential benefits and risks of HRT, as well as the patient’s personal wishes and expectations.

1 November 2026 in Medical Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IBIvana Bajkin
Ivana Bajkin
SJStefan Janičić
Stefan Janičić
KSKristina Stepanovic
Kristina Stepanovic
JSJovana Prodanovic Simeunovic
Jovana Prodanovic Simeunovic
MZMilica Nebojša Zirojević
Milica Nebojša Zirojević
Tijana MarcetaTijana Marceta
Tijana Marceta
Background/Objectives: Detection of adrenal tumors is increasing, mainly due to the widespread use and improved availability of radiological imaging. Their occurrence increases with age, and recent studies have reported a substantial increase in detection rates over the past few decades. This study aimed to describe the clinical spectrum and management of adrenal tumors in a real-world tertiary referral setting. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, management, and pathological spectrum of adrenal tumors treated at the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina between January 2020 and December 2025. This study included 862 patients with adrenal tumors from the outpatient clinic, day hospital, and hospital ward of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Disorders, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, from January 2020 to December 2025. Results: Mean age was 60.73 ± 11.51 (range 19–90) years. Peak prevalence was observed in the seventh decade of life. Accordingly, 86.5% of tumors were smaller than 4 cm, 50.3% of tumors were detected in the left adrenal gland, and 14.4% were bilateral. Non-functioning tumors accounted for 85.3% of cases, while tumors showing biochemical cortisol autonomy, aldosterone-secreting tumors, and catecholamine-secreting tumors accounted for 5.7%, 4.4%, and 4.6%, respectively. CT-based assessment of tumors showed that 88.6% were adenomas, while 3.2% were cases of pheochromocytoma, 2.6% metastasis, 2.1% carcinoma, and, in smaller percentages, cysts, myelolipoma, macro- and micronodular hyperplasia, and other types. Tumor histopathology (n = 121) showed adenoma, pheochromocytoma, and metastasis as the most common (45.5%, 24%, and 10.7%, respectively). Patients with malignant lesions were significantly older than those with benign lesions (p < 0.01) and pheochromocytoma (p < 0.01). In the subgroup with histopathological diagnosis (n = 121), histopathology was significantly associated with tumor size (χ2(4) = 19.80, p < 0.001), which may reflect selection for surgery or biopsy. The mean age of patients with benign tumors, pheochromocytoma, and malignant tumors was 52.34 ± 13.86, 51.07 ± 12.35, and 63.73 ± 12.38, respectively. In the tissue-diagnosed subgroup, right-sided localization was more frequent among malignant tumors (p = 0.035), although the small number of cases warrants cautious interpretation. Conclusions: In our cohort, most adrenal tumors were benign and non-functioning, while hormonally active and malignant lesions represented a smaller but clinically important proportion requiring specialized evaluation and management. These findings provide real-world insights into adrenal tumor care in a tertiary referral setting and support the need for standardized data collection and prospective multicenter studies.
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