TLDR Rare adrenal cancers that secrete androgens or estrogens have a poor prognosis and are treated primarily with surgery.
The document from 2010 reviews the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of rare androgen- and estrogen-secreting adrenal cancers. It notes that these cancers are a small fraction of cases presenting with androgen excess in women and that estrogen-secreting adrenal cancers are even rarer. The presence of metastases is the most reliable indicator of malignancy. Surgery is the primary treatment, with mitotane being evaluated for its potential role. The prognosis for adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of around 30%. The document also discusses the clinical presentation, the importance of distinguishing these cancers from benign conditions, and the use of biochemical tests and imaging for diagnosis. A small study of 17 cases of ACC showed that estrogen receptor positivity was correlated with a better prognosis. The document suggests an algorithm for investigating female patients with hyperandrogenism and highlights the potential of IGF-2 and GLUT-1 over-expression as future diagnostic and prognostic tools. Novel treatments based on molecular targeting are hoped to improve outcomes for these cancers.
271 citations,
December 2005 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” The document likely offers guidance on treating a woman's excessive hair growth, considering her symptoms and obesity.
67 citations,
January 1997 in “Lancet” Hirsutism is when women have too much hair growth, often due to a bit more androgen hormones and sensitive skin.
1947 citations,
September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.
135 citations,
August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
2 citations,
November 2011 in “InTech eBooks” Most adrenal cortex tumors are benign and non-secreting, but proper diagnosis and treatment are important due to the rare possibility of cancer.
7 citations,
October 2019 in “Case reports in endocrinology” A young woman's symptoms suggested PCOS, but tests and surgery confirmed and treated a rare ovarian tumor, resolving her condition.
April 2024 in “JCEM case reports” A woman's rare benign tumor that released both cortisol and testosterone was successfully removed, improving her health.
1 citations,
September 2020 in “Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports” The conclusion is that thorough investigation of hypertension and hormonal dysfunctions is important, and there may be a link between these conditions and cancer.
20 citations,
October 2017 in “Clinical Endocrinology” The conclusion is that removing both ovaries is the best treatment for excess male hormones in postmenopausal women, with medication as another option, and managing insulin resistance is important for diagnosis and treatment.
