Related Experiment Videos
Androgen secreting adrenocortical tumours
O D Wolthers1, F J Cameron, I Scheimberg
1London Centre for Paediatric Endocrinology, Middlesex Hospital, UK.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Malignant potential in pediatric androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors is difficult to determine. Tumor size is a key indicator, while histological features are unreliable for assessing malignancy risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Adrenocortical Tumors
Background:
- Androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors are rare in children.
- Determining the malignant potential of these tumors can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical presentation, histological characteristics, and behavior of pediatric androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors.
- To identify reliable indicators for assessing tumor malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors.
- Data collected from two tertiary referral centers between 1976 and 1996.
- Involved 30 children (23 girls, 7 boys) aged 0-14 years.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs included pubic hair (100%), virilization (77%), accelerated linear growth (76%), and advanced bone age (62%).
- Tumor size correlated with malignancy: all tumors <5 cm were benign, while all tumors >10 cm were malignant.
- Histological features like mitoses and necrosis were more common in malignant tumors, but not exclusively diagnostic.
Conclusions:
- Tumor size is a significant factor in assessing the malignant potential of pediatric androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors.
- Histological criteria alone are not reliable for determining malignancy in these rare pediatric tumors.