In the United States, only 25 cases of adrenocortical carcinoma are diagnosed each year. In southern Brazil, the incidence of the disease is about 15 times higher than in the United States. While this condition may be hereditary, it is not as common as other cancers.
While some patients have a hereditary gene predisposition to ACC, the majority are sporadic and not hereditary. Peak ages for the disease are in childhood and young adulthood. However, the disease tends to be more aggressive in adults. In addition, men are more likely to develop a functioning ACC than women. Those with a family history of the disease should seek regular screening for the disease.
In women, the symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma are often accompanied by pain in the abdomen, back, or both. Other symptoms of the condition include a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. In men, the main symptom is a lack of desire to have children. If these symptoms persist, your doctor will likely recommend undergoing further diagnostic testing. It is important to know that some people with adrenocortical cancer may have other medical conditions that could be related to the cancer.
In women, some symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other illnesses. Abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen are common signs of adrenocortical cancer. Some of the signs of adrenocortcial carcinoma include back pain, nausea, and weight gain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Some patients have a hereditary predisposition to the development of adrenocortical cancer. In these cases, the disease is usually sporadic. Most patients present with symptoms at the age of five years. Other patients may have asymptomatic cancer that has no symptoms at all. While it is possible to have adrenocortical cancer in children, it is rare in adults.
Some patients may have symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma. Other signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness. Some patients may also have signs and/or symptoms of other conditions. Some women may experience unexplained abdominal pain or a bloated abdomen. They may also have other signs of adrenocortical cancer.
Adrenocortical cancer is rare in men, but if the disease affects women, the symptoms of adrenocortical cancer are often the same as those of other types of cancer. In women, the cancer may be in the breasts or in the prostate glands, and can also lead to a deepening of the voice. A doctor can also check your body’s temperature and perform an ultrasound to detect adrenocortical tumors.
Some people have hereditary adenomas. Others may develop adrenocortical carcinoma without having any prior symptoms. Oftentimes, this condition is curable, but it is important to seek medical attention for signs and symptoms. In some cases, the disease can spread to nearby organs. If it has spread, a patient will need treatment. A functioning ACC will be more aggressive than a nonfunctioning ACC.
In addition to abdominal pain, adrenocortical carcinoma can cause back and abdominal pain. A lump of fat in the abdomen is also an indicator of adrenocortical cancer. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be minimal or nonexistent. A doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If you find a tumor in your adrenocortical gland, it can be removed with surgery or with chemotherapy.
