Adrenocortical Carcinoma Overview
Learn About Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a cancer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two triangle-shaped glands. One gland is located on top of each kidney.
Tumor - adrenal; ACC - adrenal
ACC is most common in children younger than 5 years old and adults in their 40s and 50s.
The condition may be linked to a cancer syndrome that is passed down through families (inherited). Both men and women can develop this tumor.
ACC 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.
ACC is very rare. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms of increased cortisol or other adrenal gland hormones may include:
- Fatty, rounded hump high on the back just below the neck (buffalo hump)
- Flushed, rounded face with pudgy cheeks (moon face)
- Obesity
- Stunted growth (short stature)
- Virilization -- the appearance of male characteristics, including increased body hair (especially on the face), pubic hair, acne, deepening of the voice, and enlarged clitoris (females)
Symptoms of increased aldosterone are the same as symptoms of low potassium, and include:
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Pain in the abdomen
The primary treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. ACC may not improve with chemotherapy. Medicines may be given to reduce production of cortisol, which causes many of the symptoms.
Regents Of The University Of California
Rana Mckay is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in San Diego, California. Dr. Mckay and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Prostate Cancer, Familial Prostate Cancer, Prostatectomy, and Nephrectomy. Dr. Mckay is currently accepting new patients.
Regents Of The University Of California
Tyler Stewart is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in San Diego, California. Dr. Stewart has been practicing medicine for over 12 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Urothelial Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.
Regents Of The University Of California
Jason Sicklick is a Surgical Oncologist and a General Surgeon in San Diego, California. Dr. Sicklick and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Hernia Surgery, and Small Bowel Resection.
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.
Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of ACC, Cushing syndrome, or failure to grow.
Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare cancers in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, lungs, adrenal glands, and other areas of the body. Many of these cancers have a high risk of relapse and a low chance of survival. Better treatments are needed.
Summary: This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of modified immune cells (IL13Ralpha2 CAR T cells) after a chemotherapy conditioning regimen for the treatment of patients with stage IIIC or IV melanoma or solid tumors that have spread to other places in the body (metastatic). The study agent is called IL13Ralpha2 CAR T cells. T cells are a special type of white blood cell (immune cells) ...
Published Date: August 21, 2024
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Habra M, Else T, Fassnacht M. Adrenocortical carcinoma. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 98.
National Cancer Institute website. Adrenocortical carcinoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/adrenocortical/hp/adrenocortical-treatment-pdq. Updated August 25, 2022. Accessed August 27, 2024.
Yeh MW, Livhits M, Duh Q-Y. The adrenal glands. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 40.