[Solid tumors of the adrenal gland in children (excluding neuroblastomas). A study of a series of 18 cases].

This is a survey of the French South-East Group of Research in Pediatric Surgery (GRECPSE) concerning 18 Solid Adrenal Tumors, observed during a 20-years period (1969-1989) in 11 boys and 8 girls. 13 are tumors of the adrenal cortex (9 adenomas and 4 carcinomas). Clinical virilization is found in 7, cushing's syndrome in 3; while feminizing tumor, Conn's syndrome and non hormone-secreting form are quite exceptional (1 case each, respectively). 5 are adrenal pheochromocytomas (4 benign tumors and 1 malignant with local invasion). Ultrasonography, CT Scan and MIBG Scintigraphy are modern procedures which permit localization of the small and non palpable tumors with high accuracy. They make easier surgical management. Differentiation between benign and malignant tumors of the adrenal glands still remains the main problem. The course of the disease is surely the only distinguishing parameter. However weight tumor and selective histopathological characteristics are useful in predicting the prognosis and behavior of such tumors = Mitotic activity for adrenocortical tumors, extensive areas of necrosis and small cells for pheochromocytomas have the highest discriminating value.