Adrenocortical Carcinoma with Hypercortisolism

Abstract

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive tumor. ACC may be associated with different syndromes of hormone excess, most frequently Cushing's syndrome with or without hypersecretion of androgens. Recent data suggest that cortisol excess is a negative prognostic factor in advanced and localized ACC. Surgery with radical intent, when feasible, is the most effective treatment for ACC with hypercortisolism. Mitotane is the medical treatment of choice, both postoperatively and in inoperable or metastatic cases. Because of its slow onset of action, combination with other antisecretory agents (ie, metyrapone) is helpful to achieve more rapid and effective control of hypercortisolism.

Keywords: Adrenocortical carcinoma; Cortisol; Cushing’s syndrome; Mitotane.