Etymed
adrenocortical carcinoma
Definition
A malignant tumor arising from the cortex of the adrenal gland
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with rapid weight gain, moon face, and purple striae over the past 6 months. Physical examination reveals a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant. Laboratory studies show elevated cortisol levels and elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Imaging demonstrates a large mass in the left adrenal gland with irregular borders and heterogeneous enhancement. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare but highly malignant tumor of the adrenal cortex that often presents with Cushing's syndrome due to excessive hormone production.
Mnemonic
ADRENAL - Adrenocortical carcinoma = A = Abdominal mass, D = Dexamethasone suppression test positive, R = Rapid weight gain, E = Elevated hormones, N = Neuroendocrine origin, A = Atypical cells, L = Large size
These morphemes also unlock…
- adren/o — adrenal gland
- cort/o — cortex; bark
- ic — pertaining to
- carcin/o — cancer
- oma — tumor; mass