Adrenocortical Carcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the outer layer of the adrenal
glands located near the front side of the kidney. Adrenal glands produce hormones such as steroids that control body functions like blood pressure, response to stress, and sexual development. This type of cancer is typically found in children younger than 4 years old and older than 13. Adrenocortical Carcinoma creates tumors that secrete hormones and cause children to develop masculine traits that may affect the kidneys, lungs, bones, and brain. Tumors may emerge with no known cause and can form from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Adrenocortical Carcinoma is often linked to genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome found in 50 to 80 percent of Adrenocortical Carcinoma patients. Some other related conditions include MEN1, Lynch Syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and hemihypertrophy. Some symptoms in male patients include premature puberty with enlargement of the penis and scrotum, premature growth and increase in muscle mass, pubic hair, acne and deepening of voice. Some symptoms found in female patients include the premature appearance of pubic and underarm hair, clitoral enlargement, acne, lack of appropriate breast development, and delayed menstrual cycle.
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