Adrenal Tumors in Children
There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney toward the back. Tumors of the adrenal glands are rare. However, when present, they can cause many problems by excess secretion of certain adrenal-produced hormones. One type of tumor of the adrenal glands is called a pheochromocytoma.
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of adrenal glands, which most often presents without any hormonal symptoms. The most common clinical presentation of patients with hormone-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma is that of CushingAs syndrome. Other hormonal hypersecretion syndromes associated with adrenocortical carcinoma include virilization (from androgen-producing tumors), feminization (estrogen-producing tumors), and hyperaldosteronism. Multiple hormones may be produced by a single tumor, causing a mixed clinical picture.
Tumors of the adrenal glands are rare. However, when present, they can cause a multitude of disorders by excessively secreting certain adrenal-produced hormones. One type of tumor of the adrenal glands is called a pheochromocytoma.
The inner part of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla produces hormones called catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Catecholamines play a role in the response to acute or sudden severe stress, for example during life threatening event.
Catecholamines are responsible for the palpitations (racing heart), sweatiness, widening of eyes and shakiness of the hand when faced with sudden fear or other stressful situation.
Survival rates for children with kidney tumors approach 90% for even the most advanced stages of disease, but the surgical management of large lesions remains challenging. With the development of additional chemotherapeutic regimens and the use of radiation therapy, survival rates have improved dramatically. The National Wilms’ Tumor Study has conducted four long-term studies addressing how adjunctive therapy may be tailored optimally to maximize survival and minimize the exposure to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Morphologic features (abnormal mitoses, necrosis, vascular and capsular invasion, broad fibrous bands, cellular pleomorphism, size) previously suggested to be predictors of malignant behavior in adrenal cortical tumors were assessed individually in 23 (17 benign, 6 malignant) pediatric and 42 (29 benign, 13 malignant) adult tumors. Of these features, size was the only predictor of malignancy in pediatric tumors. All pediatric tumors weighing more than 500 g were malignant and all but one weighing less than 500 g were benign.
Three seemingly occult secretory tumors in children (pheochromocytoma, ganglioneuroblastoma and islet cell carcinoma) were localized within the abdomen by computed tomography after other diagnostic imaging procedures had failed. The superb density resolution and tomographic formating of CT images make CT uniquely suited for the demonstration of small abdominal lesions. CT is recommended as a primary imaging modality for secretory tumors in children.
For a hormone to affect the cell, it must first bind to a molecule, or receptor, on the cell’s surface, analogous to how a key fits into a lock. This action triggers the cell to produce substances known as cyclic nucleotides. These function as ‘second messengers,’ often stimulating the cell to begin an activity. In the case of adrenal cells, cyclic nucleotides, such as cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, may stimulate cell growth or other activities. Once the activity has ended, phosphodiesterases degrade the cyclic nuke.
A three-year old female child presented with a 2 month history of bilateral breast development, bleeding per vaginum and pubic hair which had appeared 1 month previously. There were no complaints of deepening of voice, acne, or hirsutism. On physical examination, there was bilateral breast development and appearance of pubic hair, without clitoral enlargement or thickening of vaginal mucosa ( Fig 1).
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Is extra unwanted facial hair a sign of fibrous tumors in the uterus?-
ANSWER:
That’s a loaded question!Facial hair growth is usually a sign of a hormonal imbalance – too much testosterone, not enough estrogen. Unwanted facial hair is also a symptom of PCOS (Policystic Ovarian Sydrome), which is linked to out-of-balance hormones in women leading to fertility issues, irregular or no periods and sometimes the growth of benign cysts in the ovary.
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QUESTION:
Does anyone have experience in homeopathic treatments for fibroid tumors of the uterus?
I have a dear friend who is considering surgery in the near future. We do not live near a homeopathic pratictioner but she is very interested in holistic and homeopathic treatment.-
ANSWER:
Here is a Homeopathic prescription for tumors of the Uterus SULFUR & BRYONIA both in 200 together on the first day but just two doses per week on the second day BELLADONNA + PODOPHYLUM and CAULOPHYLLUM all 3 in 200, again just twice a week but not on the same day when you take the 1st two SULFUR and BRYONIA and take these cell salts every four hours regularly FERRUM PHOS 6X,CALCAREA FLOUR 6 X KALI MUR 6X and SILICEA 6X,
Keep me posted about her progress and conditions regularly at least once a week. Though I have given you the prescription but it will be lots better if the patient describes her own symptoms in detail, Homeopathy is totally invidualized medication so its absolutely necassary that the patient gives all details the way they feel them. Feel free to email me.
Take Care and God Bless you !
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QUESTION:
Is it safe to have sex when I have uterus tumor?
Please someone help. I am in a big trouble. I have “uterus tumor” and am very worried about it.-
ANSWER:
Hmm. That’s a good question. I don’t think that’s a very good idea. But consult your doctor about it. But also, if you DO want to do something sexual with your partner try anal sex if you’d like that or do oral if you chose. Also, are you getting it removed? If you are then you should wait about two months before you guys have sex. Just be safe!:)
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QUESTION:
I am 53, I have 2 fibroid tumors on my uterus and was just wondering when I walk on the treadmill does it?
irritate them because sometimes I get pain in my pelvic area after I stop walking. Other than that, I wouldn’t even know I had them because they never give me any pain. I am past menopause. Thank you.-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Questions about Fibroid Tumors in uterus?
I am anemic and have been on an iron supplement since August (5 months). I went back to the dr 3 weeks ago because I started feeling really tired and weak again, and my periods have gotten worse and worse. I thought maybe my hemoglobin was low again. My dr did blood work and my iron was fine so she referred me to my gynecologist. After doing the exam (which was more painful than ever) he told me that he wanted me to come back for an ultrasound because he thinks I have fibroid tumors in my uterus. Now I realize these are questions I should have asked my dr but I was kind of overwhelmed and couldn’t think of these questions at the time. I have done some research online but I can’t find the answers I’m looking for. Can fibroids cause a mucous like discharge? Can they cause a slightly extended stomach? I am 5’5″ and 120 lbs and I’m very thin but I look like I am pregnant or have a small beer belly. Could the pain from my exam had been caused by fibroids? Could the dr have felt them during the exam? Could the cramps or pains I’ve been having even when I don’t have my period be caused by the fibroids? Can fibroids be a cause of anemia? He also told me about a new procedure called NovaSure. Has anyone had this done? And if I do have fibroids and have to have a hysterectomy what is the recovery period? Thank you in advance?
I realize that you may not know the answers to all of these questions, but even if you answer one it will help!-
ANSWER:
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