Non-functioning adrenocortical carcinoma
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Updated: Nov 8, 2025

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Bui-Van Lenh1,2, Nguyen Minh Duc2,3,4, Thieu-Thi Tra My2
1Department of Radiology, Hanoi University Medical Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Abstract:
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that arises from the adrenal cortex and can be classified as either non-functioning or functioning. A patient with non-functioning ACC may present no specific symptoms. Imaging analysis can provide some information to a clinician who suspects ACC, such as tumor size, density, washout, necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification. Histopathology is used to confirm and determine the origin of the malignancy and can provide relevant prognostic information. Microscopic findings can be used to obtain information such as the Weiss score, resection surface features, Ki-67 proliferative index, and the degree of capsular and vascular invasion. Surgery can be curative for localized tumors, and adjuvant therapy using mitotane and cytotoxic chemotherapy is often employed for advanced-stage tumors. We describe a case report of a 32-year-old man with a non-functioning ACC that highlights the importance of radiological and pathological features in the diagnosis of ACC and their use as prognostic factors.
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