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Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma in Children

Adrenocortical carcinoma is most common in children under five years old. This carcinoma produces cortisol which causes unpleasant symptoms. Approximately, 1 out of 500,000 people are affected by adrenocortical carcinoma. (See Reference 1)

  1. Types

    • There are two types of adrenocortical carcinoma: functioning and nonfunctioning. The functioning type makes hormones as opposed to the nonfunctioning type that does not. (See Reference 2)

    Effects

    • Children who have an adrenocortical carcinoma may experience abdominal and back pain. Some children may also have a lump in their abdomen and high blood pressure. (See Reference 2)

    Causes

    • There is no known cause of adrenocortical carcinoma. One possible cause for adrenocortical carcinoma is abnormalities in the p53 gene. (See Reference 1)

    Identification

    • To identify whether or not a child has an adrenocortical carcinoma, a doctor will perform a physical exam including a blood pressure reading. The doctor will order a CT scan, abdominal x-ray and MRI. (See Reference 1)

    Treatments

    • Treatments for an adrenocortical carcinoma are medications, surgery and chemotherapy. (See Reference 1)

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