Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Adrenocortical oncocytoma in a child
Fabienne Gumy-Pause1, Massimo Bongiovanni, Barbara Wildhaber
1Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland. fabienne.gumypause@medecine.unige.ch
Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|November 9, 2006
Summary
Adrenocortical oncocytoma, a rare adult tumor, was diagnosed in a 12-year-old girl with an adrenal mass. This pediatric case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in young patients with adrenal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Adrenocortical oncocytoma is an exceptionally rare epithelial tumor typically diagnosed in adults.
- Pediatric adrenal masses often present with hormonal imbalances or mass effect symptoms.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old female presented with a left adrenal mass accompanied by abdominal pain, fatigue, and acne vulgaris.
- Laboratory tests revealed elevated androstenedione and total testosterone levels.
Findings:
- Histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses confirmed the diagnosis of adrenocortical oncocytoma.
- This represents a rare pediatric case of adrenocortical oncocytoma.
Implications:
- This case expands the known age spectrum for adrenocortical oncocytoma.
- It underscores the necessity of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for pediatric adrenal masses, even those with rare histologies.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
