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Alternative Names Return to top
Tumor - adrenalDefinition Return to top
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands.
Causes Return to top
Adrenocortical carcinoma is most common in children younger than 5 and adults in their 30s and 40s.
Adrenocortical carcinoma may be linked to a cancer syndrome that is passed down through families (inherited). Both men and women can develop this tumor. In women the tumor often releases hormones. Adrenocortical carcinoma can produce the hormones cortisol or aldosterone.
The cause is unknown. About 2 people per million develop this type of tumor.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms that suggest increased cortisol production:
Symptoms that suggest increased aldosterone production are the same as symptoms of low potassium (weakness, muscle cramps, increased thirst, and urination).
Exams and Tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Primary treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. Adrenocortical carcinoma may not improve with chemotherapy. Medications may be given to reduce production of cortisol, which causes many of the symptoms.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outcome depends on how early the diagnosis is made and whether the tumor has spread (metastasized). Metastatic tumors are often fatal within a few years.
Possible Complications Return to top
A complication is metastasis (often to the liver, bone, and lung).
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma, Cushing syndrome, or failure to grow.
References Return to top
Abeloff M, Armitage J, Niederhuber J, Kastan M, McKenna WG. Clinical Oncology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.
AssiƩ G, Antoni G, Tissier F, et al. Prognostic parameters of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. January 2007;92:148-154.
Allolio B, Fassnacht M. Adrenocortical carcinoma: clinical update. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. June 1, 2006;91:2027-2037.
Update Date: 3/13/2007 Updated by: Mark Levin, M.D., Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |