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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
04:33
Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
Published on: March 12, 2019
Fetal and newborn adrenocortical tumors
1Department of Pathology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, CA 92123, USA. hisaacs@ucsd.edu
Fetal and Pediatric Pathology
|March 26, 2010
Summary
Adrenocortical tumors are rare in newborns, with carcinoma being most common. Survival rates differ significantly between adrenocortical adenoma and carcinoma in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) are uncommon in fetuses and newborns.
- Understanding their unique characteristics in early life is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct biological behavior, pathology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic responses of ACTs in fetuses and newborns compared to older children.
- To analyze differences between adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 25 fetuses and newborns diagnosed with ACTs.
- Categorization of neoplasms into ACA and ACC.
- Review of clinical data, including presentation and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 25 cases: 3 prenatal and 22 in the newborn period.
- Adrenocortical carcinoma (76%) was more prevalent than adrenocortical adenoma (24%).
- Abdominal mass was the most frequent presenting sign, with overall survival rates of 33% for ACA and 53% for ACC.
Conclusions:
- ACTs in fetuses and newborns exhibit distinct features compared to older individuals.
- Adrenocortical carcinoma is the predominant type in this age group.
- Survival rates are notably lower for adrenocortical adenoma than carcinoma in neonates.
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