feminizing adrenal tumor

feminizing adrenal tumor

[fem′inī′zing]

a rare neoplasm of the adrenal cortex, characterized in males by gynecomastia, hypertension, diffuse pigmentation, a high level of estrogen in urine, and loss of potency. Testicular atrophy frequently occurs, but the prostate and penis are usually normal in size. The tumor may be large enough to be palpated or to be diagnosed by IV urography or arteriography. In most cases it is a carcinoma. Treatment includes surgical resection and chemotherapy with mitotane. In women these tumors, which are extremely rare, are associated with precocious puberty.