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Adrenocortical carcinoma

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Adrenal metastases, CT scan
Adrenal metastases, CT scan
Adrenal Tumor - CT
Adrenal Tumor - CT

Alternative Names    Return to top

Tumor - adrenal

Definition    Return to top

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands.

Causes    Return to top

Adrenocortical carcinoma is most common in children younger than 5 and adults in their 30s and 40s.

Adrenocortical carcinoma may be linked to a cancer syndrome that is passed down through families (inherited). Both men and women can develop this tumor. Adrenocortical carcinoma can produce the hormones cortisol, estrogen, or aldosterone. In women the tumor often releases the hormones, which can lead to male characteristics.

The cause is unknown. About 2 people per million develop this type of tumor.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms that suggest increased cortisol production:

Symptoms that suggest increased aldosterone production are the same as symptoms of low potassium and include weakness, muscle cramps, increased thirst, and urination.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A physical exam reveals high blood pressure. Blood work will be done to check hormone levels:

Imaging tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

Primary treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. Adrenocortical carcinoma may not improve with chemotherapy. Medications may be given to reduce production of cortisol, which causes many of the symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome depends on how early the diagnosis is made and whether the tumor has spread (metastasized). Tumors that have spread often lead to death within 1 to 3 years.

Possible Complications    Return to top

The tumor can spread to the liver, bone, lung, or other areas.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma, Cushing syndrome, or failure to grow.

References    Return to top

Lal G, O’Dorisio T, McDougall R, Weigel RJ. Cancer of the endocrine system. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 75.

Update Date: 11/10/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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