Learn About Adrenocortical Carcinoma

What is the definition of 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.

What are the alternative names for Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

Tumor - adrenal; ACC - adrenal

What are the causes of Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

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.

What are the symptoms of Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

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
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What are the current treatments for Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

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.

Who are the top Adrenocortical Carcinoma Local Doctors?
Hematology Oncology | Oncology | Hematology
Hematology Oncology | Oncology | Hematology

Peninsula Cancer Institute, LLC

110 Wimbledon Square, Suite E, 
Chesapeake, VA 
 2.9 mi
Accepting New Patients

Julia Sheets is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Chesapeake, Virginia. Dr. Sheets and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL), Leukemia, Shwartzman Phenomenon, and Iron Deficiency Anemia. Dr. Sheets is currently accepting new patients.

Marybeth S. Hughes
Surgical Oncology | General Surgery
Surgical Oncology | General Surgery

Evms Academic Physicians And Surgeons Health Services Foundation

825 Fairfax Ave, Suite 610, 
Norfolk, VA 
 6.5 mi
Accepting New Patients

Marybeth Hughes is a Surgical Oncologist and a General Surgeon in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Hughes and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Neuroendocrine Tumor, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Fibrosarcoma, Pancreatectomy, and Splenectomy. Dr. Hughes is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Surgical Oncology | General Surgery
Surgical Oncology | General Surgery

Evms Academic Physicians And Surgeons Health Services Foundation

825 Fairfax Ave, Suite 610, 
Norfolk, VA 
 6.5 mi
Offers Telehealth

Winifred Lo is a Surgical Oncologist and a General Surgeon in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Lo and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Parathyroid Cancer, Parathyroid Adenoma, Adrenal Cancer, and Hepatectomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

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.

What are the possible complications of Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

The tumor can spread to the liver, bone, lung, or other areas.

When should I contact a medical professional for Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of ACC, Cushing syndrome, or failure to grow.

What are the latest Adrenocortical Carcinoma Clinical Trials?
A First-in-Human Phase I Trial With Antibody Drug Conjugate ADCT-701 in Neuroendocrine Tumors and Carcinomas

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.

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A Phase 1/2 Study of [225Ac]-FPI-1434 Injection in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumours

Summary: This is a first-in-human Phase 1/2, non-randomized, multi-centre, open-label clinical study designed to investigate safety, tolerability, PK, and preliminary anti-tumour activity of \[225Ac\]-FPI-1434 (radioimmuno-therapeutic agent) in patients with solid tumours that demonstrate uptake of \[111In\]-FPI-1547 (radioimmuno-imaging agent), and to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or the ...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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.

What are the references for this article ?

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.