Adrenocortical carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the adrenal glands .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause is unknown. Adrenal cortical carcinoma may be associated with an inherited cancer syndrome. Both men and women develop this tumor, but in women it is more often functional (secreting hormones). Adrenal cortical carcinomas can produce the hormones cortisol or aldosterone. The disease is most common in two age groups: young children less than 5 years old, and adults in their 30s and 40s. The incidence is about 2 per million.
Treatment
Primary treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor . Adrenocortical carcinoma may not respond well to chemotherapy . Medications may be given to reduce production of cortisol which is responsible for many of the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is dependent on how early the diagnosis is made and whether the tumor has spread (metastasized). These tumors are often fatal within a few years.
Complications
A complication is metastasis (frequently to the liver, bone, and lung).
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you or your child exhibit symptoms suggestive of adrenocortical carcinoma, Cushing's syndrome , or has failure to grow.