Adrenocortical carcinoma: what the surgeon needs to know. Case report and literature review

Abstract

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer and its prognosis is frequently unsatisfactory. Due to its rarity there's a lack of prospective randomized studies. Without experience in the approach of this kind of tumor, managing becomes challenging and, moreover, we have only few recommendations, based on weak evidence. We report a case that has some peculiarities and is an excellent food for thought. Then we deal with a literature review to highlight and summarize most significant aspects of epidemiology, clinic, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis in an exquisitely surgical point of view.

Keywords: Adrenal cancer; Adrenocortical carcinoma; Diagnosis; Prognosis; Staging; Therapy.