Pitfalls and progress in adrenocortical carcinoma diagnosis: the utility of a multidisciplinary approach, immunohistochemistry and genomics

Abstract

Summary

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare disease with poor prognosis whose clinical heterogeneity can at times present a challenge to accurate and timely diagnosis. We present the case of a patient who presented with extensive pulmonary lesions, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy and an adrenal mass in whom the oncological diagnosis was initially uncertain. Through the use of immunohistochemistry, biochemistry and genomic testing, an accurate diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma was ultimately made which resulted in more directed treatment being administered. The use of multidisciplinary input and genomics to aid in diagnosis and prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma is discussed.

Learning points

• Adrenocortical carcinomas can present a diagnostic challenge to clinicians given it is a rare malignancy with significant clinical heterogeneity.

• Specialist multidisciplinary team input is vital in the diagnosis and management of adrenocortical carcinomas.

• Hormonal testing is recommended in the diagnostic workup of adrenal masses, even in the absence of overt clinical signs/symptoms of hormone excess.

• Immunostaining for the highly sensitive and specific steroidogenic factor-1 is vital for accurate diagnosis.

• Genomics can provide prognostic utility in management of adrenocortical carcinoma.