Adrenal cortical carcinoma

Endocrine system

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1, MEN2)

Summary

Adrenal cortical carcinomas are rare tumors that arise from the outer layer of the adrenal gland called the adrenal cortex. They account for only about 1% of all cancers.

Adrenal cortical tumors can be either benign (noncancerous) or cancerous. The most common type of adrenal cortical tumor is a pheochromocytoma, arising from the chromaffin cell, which produces the hormone adrenaline.

Symptoms of an adrenal cortical carcinoma depend on the type but may include: feeling very tired, weight loss, truncal obesity, muscle weakness, and blood in the urine.