Learn About Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a cancer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two triangle-shaped glands. One gland is located on top of each kidney.
Tumor - adrenal; ACC - adrenal
ACC is most common in children younger than 5 years old and adults in their 40s and 50s.
The condition may be linked to a cancer syndrome that is passed down through families (inherited). Both men and women can develop this tumor.
ACC can produce the hormones cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, or testosterone, as well as other hormones. In women the tumor often releases these hormones, which can lead to male characteristics.
ACC is very rare. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms of increased cortisol or other adrenal gland hormones may include:
- Fatty, rounded hump high on the back just below the neck (buffalo hump)
- Flushed, rounded face with pudgy cheeks (moon face)
- Obesity
- Stunted growth (short stature)
- Virilization -- the appearance of male characteristics, including increased body hair (especially on the face), pubic hair, acne, deepening of the voice, and enlarged clitoris (females)
Symptoms of increased aldosterone are the same as symptoms of low potassium, and include:
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Pain in the abdomen
The primary treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. ACC may not improve with chemotherapy. Medicines may be given to reduce production of cortisol, which causes many of the symptoms.
Stanford Health Care
Electron Kebebew is a General Surgeon in Stanford, California. Dr. Kebebew is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Adrenal Cancer, Pheochromocytoma, Thyroid Cancer, Parathyroidectomy, and Thyroidectomy.
UCHealth Diabetes And Endocrinology Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus (Primary)
Margaret Wierman is an Endocrinologist in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Wierman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Her top areas of expertise are Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Pituitary Tumor, Adrenal Cancer, Hypothalamic Tumor, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Wierman is currently accepting new patients.
Osu Surgery, LLC
John Phay is a Surgical Oncologist and a General Surgeon in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Phay is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. His top areas of expertise are Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Thyroid Cancer, Adrenal Cancer, Parathyroidectomy, and Thyroidectomy. Dr. Phay is currently accepting new patients.
The outcome depends on how early the diagnosis is made and whether the tumor has spread (metastasized). Tumors that have spread usually lead to death within 1 to 3 years.
The tumor can spread to the liver, bone, lung, or other areas.
Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of ACC, Cushing syndrome, or failure to grow.
Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer of the adrenal glands. ACC often returns after tumors are removed with surgery. Less than 35% of people with ACC survive 5 years after diagnosis.
Background: One way to treat liver cancer is to deliver chemotherapy drugs only to the liver (and not to the whole body). Researchers want to see if adding the drug PDS01ADC can improve the treatment. The drug triggers the immune system to fight cancer.\
Published Date: August 21, 2024
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Habra M, Else T, Fassnacht M. Adrenocortical carcinoma. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 98.
National Cancer Institute website. Adrenocortical carcinoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/adrenocortical/hp/adrenocortical-treatment-pdq. Updated August 25, 2022. Accessed August 27, 2024.
Yeh MW, Livhits M, Duh Q-Y. The adrenal glands. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 40.