Adrenocortical Carcinoma
It is a rare cancer disease in which cancer cells are formed in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland.
The adrenal cortex produces some important hormones such as:
- Aldosterone: Helps in maintaining salt and water levels in the body.
- Cortisol: Helps in managing protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It also helps in managing stress.
- Androgen: Also known as male sex hormone. It helps in development and growth of male reproductive organ and male physical traits like body, deep voice and facial hair. They are required for the production of estrogen.
- Estrogen: Also known as female sex hormone. It contributes to the growth and development of female reproductive organs and characteristics such as the growth of breasts.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Stages of Adrenocortical carcinoma:
Symptoms of Adrenocortical Carcinoma includes:
- Abdomen and Back Pain
- Lump in abdomen
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- High B.P.
- Frequent Urination and Thirstiness
- Irregular production of one of the hormone of,
- Cortisol
- Aldosterone
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
- Deep voice, Acne and Balding in women producing high levels of testosterone.
- Irregular Periods, Vaginal Bleeding, in women producing high levels of estrogen.
- Gynecomastia, Lower sex drive and Impotence in men producing high levels of estrogen.
Causes:
The exact cause of adrenocortical carcinoma is unknown. However, some researchers doubt heredity and genetic mutations as the cause of adrenocortical carcinoma.
- Hereditary
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN1)
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
- Carney complex
- Genetic mutation
- Tumor suppressor gene
- TP53 and
- IGF2
Diagnosis:
- Imaging techniques such as MRI, X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, Ultrasound, etc.
- Blood Test
- Urine Test
Treatment options:
- Surgery
- Mitotane
- Metyrapone
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Immunotherapy
