[Primary adrenal malignacies]

Abstract

Background: Primary adrenal malignancies are rare and have a dismal prognosis. We report our experience in both adrenocortical carcinomas and malignant pheochromocytomas who received medical care at our Institution between 1994 and 2009.

Material and methods: The data bases of hospital discharges, surgery and pathology were reviewed looking for patients with diagnosis of primary adrenal malignant tumors. Clinical presentation, laboratory and image characteristics, surgical details, histopathology findings and outcome were analyzed.

Results: A total of eight patients were identified, two men and six women with a mean age of 48.1 +/- 15.7 years (31-80). Six patients presented with adrenocortical carcinomas and two had malignant pheochromocytomas. Of the six cortical tumors four were functioning. Five were stage II, two were stage III and one was stage IV. All patients underwent surgery as initial treatment. Six patients underwent open and two, laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. In a mean follow up of 32 +/- 27 months, only three patients with stage II were alive and free of the disease.

Conclusions: As in other series, primary adrenal carcinoma in our population proved to be a rare endocrine neoplasm with poor prognosis despite complete surgical resection. Treatment at initial stages provides better outcome.