Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Tumor - adrenalDefinition Return to top
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the adrenal glands.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Adrenocortical carcinomas can produce the hormones cortisol or aldosterone. The disease is most common in two age groups: children younger than 5 years old, and adults in their 30s and 40s.
Adrenocortical carcinoma may be associated with an inherited cancer syndrome. Both men and women develop this tumor. In women it is more often a functional tumor (secretes hormones).
The cause is unknown. The incidence is about 2 per million.
Symptoms Return to top
Findings suggestive of increased cortisol production:Findings suggestive of increased aldosterone production are symptoms of low potassium (weakness, muscle cramps, increased thirst, and urination).
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
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) Return to top
The outcome is dependent on how early the diagnosis is made and whether the tumor has spread (metastasized). Metastatic tumors are often fatal within a few years.Complications Return to top
A complication is metastasis (frequently to the liver, bone, and lung).
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma, Cushing's syndrome, or failure to grow. Update Date: 8/18/2003 Updated by: Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C., Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |