Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) Treatment
The adrenal glands are small organs on top of the kidneys that are part of the endocrine system. The adrenal glands produce many important hormones, including those that come from the adrenal cortex, which is on the outside of the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a type of adrenal cancer that occurs in the adrenal cortex. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board certified surgeon who specializes in adrenal glands disorder and offers adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) treatment through his practice in Los Angeles.
Symptoms of ACC
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) can be a functioning or non-functioning tumor. A functioning ACC tumor can cause overproduction in hormones in the adrenal cortex; a non-functioning ACC tumor does not affect hormone production. The symptoms of ACC are impacted by whether it is a functioning or non-functioning tumor. Some of the possible symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Deepening voice
- Acne
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal growth in genitalia
- Increased body hair (females may experience facial hair)
ACC is rare and often linked to genetics – certain genetic diseases and conditions can increase the risk of ACC. If ACC runs in your family, genetic testing can determine if you have high risk factors. Females have a higher risk than males of this type of adrenal gland tumor.
The most common adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) treatment is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In many cases, surgery alone can be successful at treating small ACCs. Chemotherapy after surgery may be recommended for larger ACCs or those that have spread.
Danny Shouhed, M.D. is an adrenal gland disorder specialist who offers minimally-invasive surgery options for treatment of ACC. If you have been diagnosed with ACC and want the best surgeon to perform your cancer removal surgery, contact our office in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation with Dr Shouhed.