Adrenocortical carcinoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Adrenocortical carcinoma}} | {{Adrenocortical carcinoma (patient information)}} | ||
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Adrenocortical carcinoma|here]]''' | |||
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{RT}} | {{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{RT}} | ||
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==What causes Adrenocortical carcinoma ?== | ==What causes Adrenocortical carcinoma ?== | ||
Adrenocortical carcinoma is most common in children younger than 5 and adults in their 30s and 40s. | [[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]]. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
A physical exam may reveal high blood pressure and 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 | |||
==When to contact a Medical Professional ?== | |||
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma, [[Cushing syndrome]], or failure to grow. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
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. | |||
Adrenocortical carcinoma | ==Where to find medical care for Adrenocortical carcinoma?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Adrenal tumor}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Adrenal carcinoma] | |||
The | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
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. | |||
==Possible complications== | |||
The tumor can spread to the [[liver]], [[bone]], [[lung]], or other areas. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category:Endocrinology]] | [[Category:Endocrinology]] | ||
[[Category:Types of cancer]] | [[Category:Types of cancer]] | ||
[[Category:Disease]] | [[Category:Disease]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:09, 14 August 2015
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Adrenocortical carcinoma |
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Adrenocortical carcinoma On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Adrenocortical carcinoma |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands.
What are the symptoms of Adrenocortical carcinoma ?
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
What causes Adrenocortical carcinoma ?
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.
Diagnosis
A physical exam may reveal high blood pressure and 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:
When to contact a Medical Professional ?
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma, Cushing syndrome, or failure to grow.
Treatment
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.
Where to find medical care for Adrenocortical carcinoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Adrenal carcinoma
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
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.
Possible complications
The tumor can spread to the liver, bone, lung, or other areas.
References