Androgen producing adrenocortical carcinoma

Two cases of androgen secreting adrenocortical carcinoma have been described by light and electron microscopy. The histological and ultrastructural features of the tumour cells were similar to those of compact cells of zona reticularis and to those described in virilizing adenomas. They possess numerous mitochondria with lamellar and tubular cristae, abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipofuscin bodies and scanty lipid. Irregularly shaped, crenated mitochondria, with outpouchings of the outer limiting membrane have also been observed. The clusters of neoplastic cells were surrounded by basement membrane which demonstrated a focal discontinuity, probably reflecting malignancy of the tumours. Hyperplasia of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the presence of outpouchings of the mitochondrial outer limiting membrane might be the morphological manifestation of endocrine activity of the tumours.