They should be performed only when clinical suspicion and abnormalities in catecholamines advocate the need. Representative samples were histologically evaluated, and the methylation pattern of the androgen receptor alleles was analyzed on microdissected samples. Appropriate tissue controls were run in every case. We concluded that only simultaneous down-regulated apoptosis and high proliferation result in selective kinetic advantage, dominant clone expansion, and unbalanced methylation patterns of androgen receptor alleles in ACNHs and ACAs. Cancer Committee of the College of American Pathologists.
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare tumor associated with a commonly poor prognosis.
However, data on the natural history and response to therapy of patients with this malignancy have often been conflicting. Our objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical course and survival of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and to identify relevant prognostic factors. Patient information was obtained from chart review. Complete tumor resection may be associated with improved survival. Although the search strategy has been refined as best as possible, citations may appear that are not directly related to the topic, and occasionally relevant references may be omitted.