Radiology Case Reports (Jun 2021)

Non-functioning adrenocortical carcinoma

  • Bui-Van Lenh, MD, PhD,
  • Nguyen Minh Duc, MD, MSc,
  • Thieu-Thi Tra My, MD,
  • Tran Ngoc Minh, MD,
  • Luong Viet Bang, MD,
  • Le Tuan Linh, MD, PhD,
  • Bui-Van Giang, MD, PhD,
  • Pham Minh Thong, MD, PhD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 6
pp. 1329 – 1334

Abstract

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Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that arises from the adrenal cortex and can be classified as either non-functioning or functioning. A patient with non-functioning ACC may present no specific symptoms. Imaging analysis can provide some information to a clinician who suspects ACC, such as tumor size, density, washout, necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification. Histopathology is used to confirm and determine the origin of the malignancy and can provide relevant prognostic information. Microscopic findings can be used to obtain information such as the Weiss score, resection surface features, Ki-67 proliferative index, and the degree of capsular and vascular invasion. Surgery can be curative for localized tumors, and adjuvant therapy using mitotane and cytotoxic chemotherapy is often employed for advanced-stage tumors. We describe a case report of a 32-year-old man with a non-functioning ACC that highlights the importance of radiological and pathological features in the diagnosis of ACC and their use as prognostic factors.

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