Definition of Adrenocortical carcinoma:

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Adrenocortical carcinoma is most common in children younger than 5 and adults in their 30s and 40s.

Adrenocortical carcinoma may be linked to a cancer syndrome that is passed down through families (inherited). Both men and women can develop this tumor. In women the tumor often releases hormones. Adrenocortical carcinoma can produce the hormones cortisol or aldosterone.

The cause is unknown. About 2 people per million develop this type of tumor.