Adrenal cell carcinoma: Experience of an institution
- Author:
A. Norasyikin
1
;
Z. Suehazlyn
1
;
M. Rohaizak
2
;
K. Nor Azmi
1
Author Information
1. Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
2. Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Adrenal gland neoplasms;
adrenal cancers;
adrenocortical carcinoma
- From:
Brunei International Medical Journal
2012;8(5):237-242
- CountryBrunei Darussalam
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Adrenal cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy and often presents in the advanced
stages. Clinical presentation varies depending on the type of ACC and whether the tumour is functional
or non-functional. We report our experience with ACC encountered over seven years (2005 to 2011).
Material and Methods: All patients diagnosed and treated for ACC in our institutions were identified
and data collected were collected and retrospectively analysed. Diagnoses of ACC were made based on:
histology, combination of imaging and laboratory investigations.
Results: There were seven patients
(Chinese, n=5 and female, n=4) with a median age of 39 years old (range 17 to 52) treated at our
institution during this period. Four patients had functional cortisol producing tumours. In most, radical
surgery was carried out with mitotane used as adjuvant therapy. Hypercortisolism was controlled using
mitotane in most, and etomidate in one case. In the other three patients with non-functional tumours,
the tumours were generally large at presentation and diagnosis.
Conclusion: Although the overall prognosis of ACC is limited, the prognosis of the functional tumours is influenced by the success in re-
ducing hormonal excess, whereas, in the non-functioning type, radical surgery seems to prolong sur-
vival.
- Full text:2026061617100845029201285242.pdf
