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Adrenocortical carcinoma

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Adrenocortical carcinoma

Definition:

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the adrenal glands.

Alternative Names:
Tumor - adrenal

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Adrenocortical carcinomas can produce the hormones cortisol or aldosterone. The disease is most common in two age groups: children younger than 5, and adults in their 30s and 40s.

Adrenocortical carcinoma may be associated with an inherited cancer syndrome. Both men and women develop this tumor. In women it is often a functional tumor (one that secretes hormones).

The cause is unknown. About 2 people per million develop this type of tumor.

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