adrenocortical carcinoma

Definition of adrenocortical carcinoma

adrenocortical carcinoma

(uh-DREE-noh-KOR-tih-kul KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
A rare cancer that forms in the outer layer of tissue of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline to control heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions). Also called adrenocortical cancer and cancer of the adrenal cortex.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms