Adrenal tumors

Abstract

Adrenal tumors are rare in childhood. Peripheral neuroblastic tumors are classified according to the prevalence of neural-type cells and Schwann-type cells; they show different degrees of differentiation and a broad spectrum of clinical phenotype, from benign to extremely aggressive. Among them neuroblastoma is the most frequent malignancy diagnosed in the first month of life (30–50 %), and it is the most common cancer among infants of less than 12 months of age. The adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) include both adrenocortical carcinoma and adenoma, in most cases hormonally active, causing virilization, hirsutism, and Cushing’s syndrome. Diagnosis and stadiation of these cancers are made by imaging studies and biochemical endocrine and histological evaluation. Treatment options include surgery, with preventive pharmacological control of hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma, and chemotherapy in selected cases as ACTs or inoperable masses. Long-term follow-up of patients with malignant cancers is mandatory.