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Feminizing adrenal tumors: Our experience about three cases
Farida Chentli, Chentli Farida1, Ilyes Bekkaye
1Department of Endocrine, and Metabolic Diseases, Bab El Oued Hospital, 5boulevard Said Touati, Algiers, Algeria.
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Feminizing adrenal tumors (FATs) are rare adrenal neoplasms with poor prognosis. This study highlights three male cases, emphasizing mixed hormone secretion and tumor characteristics, with varied outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Feminizing adrenal tumors (FATs) are exceptionally rare, comprising less than 2% of all adrenal neoplasms, and are associated with a poor prognosis.
- This study presents a long-term, single-center experience with FATs in adult males.
Observation:
- Three male patients diagnosed between 1980 and 2012 presented with symptoms including painful gynecomastia, decreased libido, and impotence.
- All patients had large adrenal tumors (5.9-17 cm) with mixed hormone secretion (elevated estradiol and cortisol).
- Pathological examination indicated malignancy in two cases.
Findings:
- Two patients presented with elevated estradiol levels, while the third showed elevated estradiol after tumor relapse.
- One patient with diffuse metastases died 4 years post-diagnosis.
- The other two patients, diagnosed 1 and 3 years prior, remain alive without metastasis or relapse.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the importance of considering FATs in men presenting with feminizing symptoms and elevated sex hormones.
- The findings suggest that while FATs can be malignant, prognosis may vary, and early diagnosis and management are crucial.
- Further research into the specific clinical and pathological features influencing FATs outcomes is warranted.
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