Adrenal carcinoma (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2] Aarti Narayan, M.B.B.S [3]

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands.

• Symptoms that suggest increased cortisol or other adrenal gland hormone production:
  • Fatty, rounded hump high on the back just below the neck (buffalo hump)
  • Flushed rounded face with pudgy cheeks (moon face)
  • Obesity
  • Stunted growth in height (short stature)
  • Virilization – the appearance of male characteristics, including increased body hair (especially on the face), pubic hair, acne, deepening of voice, and enlarged clitoris (girls)

• Symptoms that suggest increased aldosterone production are the same as symptoms of low potassium and include:

• • Increased thirst
  • Muscle cramps
  • Urination
  • Weakness

• 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, aldosterone, estrogen, or testosterone, as well as other hormones.
• In women, the tumor often releases these hormones, which can lead to male characteristics.
• The cause is unknown.
• About 2 people per million develop this type of tumor.

• A physical exam may reveal:
  • High blood pressure
  • Changes in body shape, such as breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia) or male characteristics in women (virilization)
• Blood tests will be done to check hormone levels:
  • ACTH level will be low
  • Aldosterone level will be high
  • Cortisol level will be high
  • Potassium level will be low

• Imaging tests may include:
  • Abdominal x-ray
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • MRI of the abdomen

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

• 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.

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

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

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001663.htm

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