Prolonged survival with adrenal cortical carcinoma

Recurrence of adrenal cortical carcinoma 22 years after first presentation is reported in a 54-year-old woman with Cushing's syndrome. This tumour is normally associated with poor prognosis and prolonged survival is rare. Although the patient had remained well with apparent 'cure' in the intervening years, it is suggested that hormonal changes related to the menopause and the development of primary hypoadrenalism stimulated recurrence of malignant activity and return of Cushingoid features.