Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant, or cancerous, tumor that starts in the adrenal glands, specifically in the adrenal cortex.
Adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of two parts: the inner part, the medulla, is surrounded by the outer layer, the adrenal cortex responsible for the secretion of important hormones that support vital organ functioning like
· blood sugar regulation
· blood Preasure
· salt and water balance
· stress response
More than two thirds of ACC are functional, leading to an excess production of hormones such as glucocorticoids, androgens or mineralocorticoids whereas some are nonfunctioning (don’t make more hormones than normal). The hormones made by functioning tumours may cause certain signs or symptoms of disease.1 2 3
ACC may produce any hormone that is made by the cortex adrenal glands. These include cortisol (glucocorticoids), progesterone (androgens), and aldosterone (mineralocorticoids). Therefore, clinical presentation varies depending on the size and the specific hormones being overproduced, with the most prevalent manifestations including Cushing syndrome, virilization, feminization, hypertension or electrolyte disorders.
If the adrenal mass is large, it may cause pain or abdominal discomfort.4
ACC may produce any hormone that is made by the cortex adrenal glands. These include cortisol (glucocorticoids), progesterone (androgens), and aldosterone (mineralocorticoids). Therefore, clinical presentation varies depending on the size and the specific hormones being overproduced, with the most prevalent manifestations including Cushing syndrome, virilization, feminization, hypertension or electrolyte disorders.
If the adrenal mass is large, it may cause pain or abdominal discomfort.2
ACC may produce any hormone that is made by the cortex adrenal glands. These include cortisol (glucocorticoids), progesterone (androgens), and aldosterone (mineralocorticoids). Therefore, clinical presentation varies depending on the size and the specific hormones being overproduced, with the most prevalent manifestations including Cushing syndrome, virilization, feminization, hypertension or electrolyte disorders.
If the adrenal mass is large, it may cause pain or abdominal discomfort.2
ACC may produce any hormone that is made by the cortex adrenal glands. These include cortisol (glucocorticoids), progesterone (androgens), and aldosterone (mineralocorticoids). Therefore, clinical presentation varies depending on the size and the specific hormones being overproduced, with the most prevalent manifestations including Cushing syndrome, virilization, feminization, hypertension or electrolyte disorders.
If the adrenal mass is large, it may cause pain or abdominal discomfort.2
ACC may produce any hormone that is made by the cortex adrenal glands. These include cortisol (glucocorticoids), progesterone (androgens), and aldosterone (mineralocorticoids). Therefore, clinical presentation varies depending on the size and the specific hormones being overproduced, with the most prevalent manifestations including Cushing syndrome, virilization, feminization, hypertension or electrolyte disorders.
If the adrenal mass is large, it may cause pain or abdominal discomfort.2
ACC may produce any hormone that is made by the cortex adrenal glands. These include cortisol (glucocorticoids), progesterone (androgens), and aldosterone (mineralocorticoids). Therefore, clinical presentation varies depending on the size and the specific hormones being overproduced, with the most prevalent manifestations including Cushing syndrome, virilization, feminization, hypertension or electrolyte disorders.
If the adrenal mass is large, it may cause pain or abdominal discomfort.2
Most cases of ACC are a sporadic accumulation of mutations over time. However, studies show a predisposition to various genetic mutations may be a contributing factor, especially when the diagnosis is made in children.5
1. https://www.cancer.gov/types/adrenocortical/patient/adrenocortical-treatment-pdq#_1
2. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/adrenocortical-carcinoma-cancer
3. Kalfoutzou A et al.Adrenocortical carcinoma with dual androgen and cortisol secretion,
folia medica, Volume 67, Issue 1, 2025
4.Fassnacht, Martin et al. Adrenocortical carcinoma: a practical guide for clinicians The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Volume 13, Issue 5, 438 – 452
5.Thampi A et al. Adrenocortical carcinoma: a literature review. Transl Cancer Res. 2020 Feb;9(2):1253-1264.
