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Adrenal cancer is the presence of malignant adrenal tumors, and includes neuroblastoma, adrenocortical carcinoma and some adrenal pheochromocytomas. Most adrenal pheochromocytomas and all adrenocortical adenomas are benign tumors, which do not metastasize or invade nearby tissues, but may cause significant health problems by unbalancing hormones.
An adrenocortical adenoma or adrenal adenoma is commonly described as a benign neoplasm emerging from the cells that comprise the adrenal cortex. Like most adenomas , the adrenocortical adenoma is considered a benign tumor since the majority of them are non-functioning and asymptomatic .
When an adrenal nodule (potential tumor) is discovered on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, there is a 5–10% chance the lesion is a pheochromocytoma. [175] The incidence of adrenal tumors is found in the infographic above, with pheochromocytoma noted in yellow in the top right corner.
Multiple adenomas or diffuse islet cell hyperplasia commonly occurs. About 30% of tumors are malignant and have local or distant metastases. [5] About 10-15% of islet cell tumors originate from a β-cell, secrete insulin , and can cause fasting hypoglycemia. β-cell tumors are more common in patients < 40 years of age.
These hormone-producing tumors may need adrenalectomy. Additionally, adrenal tumors that are larger than 4 centimeters in size, regardless of whether they produce hormones, also require adrenalectomy due to increased risk of adrenal cancer. Rarely (5–12%), the adrenal tumor may be cancerous (adrenocortical carcinoma), requiring adrenalectomy.
Adrenocortical carcinoma, (ACC), is cancer that develops in the adrenal glands' cortex, or outer layer. [5] Adrenocortical carcinoma usually occurs randomly, independent of a genetic predisposition. [6] The majority of patients' primary complaints at first are indications and manifestations of excess hormones. [7]
Enlargement of both adrenal glands, adrenal adenoma, adrenal cancer, familial hyperaldosteronism [6] [1] Diagnostic method: Blood test for aldosterone-to-renin ratio [1] Treatment: Surgery, spironolactone, eplerenone, low salt diet [1] Frequency: 10% of people with high blood pressure [1]
Late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH), also known as nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH or NCAH), is a milder form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), [1] a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis that leads to variable degrees of postnatal androgen excess.