Case Report of an Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Abstract

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a primary malignant tumor developed at the expense of the adrenal cortex. It is a rare tumor (1 or 2 cases per million and per year), with two peaks of occurrence, in the first decade and between 40 and 50 years. The treatment is surgical whenever possible and aims at the complete resection of the tumour, the affected lymph nodes and any extra-adrenal lesions. Medical treatment is required in case of incomplete or impossible surgery or after surgery even when it is possibly complete (adjuvant treatment). If there is an excess of hormonal secretion (cortisol) a special treatment (Anticortisolic) will be instituted. In the event of metastases, qualified or loco-regional treatments can be associated. We present the case of a 67-year-old patient, diabetic, with no particular clinical signs, in whom, during a routine radiological assessment, a large tumor was discovered fortuitously at the expense of the left adrenal which measures 8 cm in long axis. The biological assessment did not show any hormonal hypersecretion. The treatment had consisted of a surgical resection from the outset without postoperative complications. Postoperative hemodynamic control was satisfactory with a transfer to the endocrinology department on day 3 postoperatively.