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What is Adrenocortical Carcinoma?

Adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer, is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is the outside layer of the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical carcinoma is also called adrenocortical cancer, adrenal cancer, adrenal carcinoma or cancer of the adrenal cortex.

There are 2 adrenal glands, one above each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. The adrenal glands are also called the suprarenal glands. The inside layer of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal glands produce steroid hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones help control heart rate, blood pressure and other important body functions.

Treatment Options for Adrenal Carcinoma

Adrenal lesions are evaluated to determine their size and activity. Often, this requires a CT scan, an MRI and an endocrinologic work-up to determine if the lesion is working to over-produce hormones. Treatment for adrenal carcinoma depends on many factors and ranges from simple observation to surgical removal. This decision is based on the likelihood of the lesion being cancerous and/or functional.

A surgical procedure called adrenalectomy is generally performed on patients with localized tumors (that have not spread). It involves the removal of the lesion through a standard incision or laparoscopy (a minimally-invasive procedure). Chemotherapy may be used for patients with advanced or metastatic adrenal lesions (when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body). Observation or "active surveillance" is used for patients with small, non-growing, non-functioning tumors that are likely to be benign (noncancerous).

For more information about genitourinary cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, please call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).