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)

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)

References

• All Reference- Introduction, Identification, Treatments
• Cleveland Clinic- Types, Effects, Causes