15/11/2016
Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
What Is Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma?
Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease. It is caused by a cancerous growth in the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands lie on top of the kidneys. They play an important role in the endocrine system, which is the system that makes and regulates hormones. ACC is also known as adrenocortical carcinoma
The adrenal cortex makes hormones that regulate metabolism and blood pressure. It also produces cortisol and the male hormones known as androgens. ACC may trigger excessive production of these hormones.
What Causes an Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma?
The causes of primary ACC are unknown. However, ACC can also be a secondary cancer. A secondary cancer is what happens when another form of cancer spreads to the adrenal glands.
What Are the Symptoms of an Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma?
The symptoms of a functioning tumor depend on what hormones it is producing.
Testosterone and other androgens:
increased facial and body hair, particularly in females
deepened voice in females
Estrogen:
early signs of puberty in children
enlarged breast tissue in males
Aldosterone:
weight gain
high blood pressure
Cortisol:
high blood sugar and pressure
muscle weakness in the legs
bruising in the body
excessive weight gain in chest and abdomen
Both functioning and nonfunctioning tumors can cause abdominal pain if they become enlarged. Nonfunctioning tumors may not produce any hormonal changes or cause specific symptoms
Treating an Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your condition, s*x, age and overall physical health. He may also stage your cancer. Staging tells your doctor how advanced your cancer is. This can help determine the right treatment.
Tumor stages are defined as follows:
Stage 1 tumors are small tumors (less than 5 centimeters) that are still within the tissues.
Stage 2 tumors are large tumors (greater than 5 centimeters) that are still within the tissues.
Stage 3 tumors are tumors of any size that have spread to nearby lymph nodes and fatty tissue.
Stage 4 tumors are tumors of any size that have spread to other organs and tissues.).
Depending on the stage of your ACC, a variety of treatments are available.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the body. These drugs may be taken by mouth or administered through the veins.
Surgery can remove the adrenal gland and surrounding tissue, if necessary.
Radiation can be used to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy is applied from the outside of your body. Internal therapy applies radioactive substances directly to the tumor. Radiation may be put in place with catheters, needles, or wires.
Biologic therapy uses your own immune system and body to destroy the cancer.
