What is Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. Each adrenal gland is composed of two layers:

• The adrenal cortex, or outer layer of the adrenal gland, which produces a variety of steroid hormones;
• The adrenal medulla, or inner layer of the adrenal gland, which produces the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Cancer of the adrenal cortex, also called adrenocortical carcinoma, is discussed below. (Cancer of the adrenal medulla, also called pheochromocytoma, is discussed separately.)

The cells in the adrenal cortex make important hormones that help the body function properly. When cells in the adrenal cortex become cancerous, they may make too much of one or more hormones, which can cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, weakening of the bones, or diabetes. Cancers that make hormones are called functioning tumors. However, many cancers of the adrenal cortex do not make extra hormones and are called nonfunctioning tumors.

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