Adrenocortical carcinoma (patient information)

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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.