Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but aggressive cancer that arises from the outer layer of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal cortex. This tumor can produce excess hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, or androgens, leading to noticeable symptoms, or it may grow silently until it becomes large. ACC can spread to nearby organs or distant sites, making early detection important.
What is it?
Adrenal cortical carcinoma develops from the hormone-producing cells of the adrenal cortex. These tumors may secrete high levels of cortisol, aldosterone, or sex hormones, causing symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, muscle weakness, or changes in hair growth. Some tumors are “non-functioning” and cause symptoms mainly from their size or spread.
Imaging helps determine the size of the tumor, whether it has invaded nearby structures, and whether it has spread to other organs. CT and MRI are essential for evaluating the adrenal glands and surrounding tissues. PET/CT may help assess metabolic activity and detect metastases.
Important to Know
ACC is an aggressive cancer, but outcomes improve when tumors are detected early and removed surgically. Hormonal symptoms may improve after treatment, but long-term monitoring is often needed. Even after successful surgery, recurrence can occur, so follow-up imaging and hormone testing are important.
Red flag symptoms include sudden severe abdominal pain, rapidly increasing abdominal size, high blood pressure that is difficult to control, unexplained virilization (excess hair growth or deepening voice), or signs of Cushing’s syndrome. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.