Adrenal Cortical Tumors

Mauricio (Tony) A Escobar, MD, William Middlesworth, MD, Brent Weil, MD, Eric J. Rellinger, MD, Michael G. Caty, MD, MMM, Christopher B. Weldon, MD, Dai H. Chung, M.D.

Introduction

The pediatric surgeon’s role is critical for the successful management of virtually all adrenal neoplasms in children. Preoperative planning, operative management, and postoperative care must be carefully guided by the already-established or anticipated pathology of the lesion in question. A carefully planned and well-executed operation can lead to excellent outcomes in children with tumors for which medical therapy is lacking, is minimally effective and/or is poorly tolerated.

The adrenal glands were discovered in 1522 by Eustachius and described by him in 1563. Adrenal function is essential to normal survival. The adrenals regulate a myriad of essential physiologic functions including stress response, electrolyte homeostasis, metabolism, immune function, blood pressure regulation and sexual development. Neoplasms and other disorders of the adrenal glands have been a longstanding source of fascination for physicians and surgeons.

see also Adrenal Medullary Tumors and Adrenalectomy

Content in this topic is referenced in SCORE Endocrine Disease overviewAdrenal Cortical Tumors, Pheochromocytoma overviewAdrenal Cancer overview

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

Last updated: November 2, 2020