How is  Adreno-cortical Carcinoma diagnosed?

This is based on the clinical findings (described above) seen on presentation. Important stages of diagnosis are blood and urine tests to indicate the presence of excess amounts of any adrenal hormones that may be being produced by the tumour. Imaging studies using abdominal CT and MRI scans provide useful data on the size of the tumour and whether it may have spread to other organs. Of special importance here is the kidney, directly attached to the adrenal gland, which will be one of the first organs to be invaded.

Ultrasound can be used and detects carcinomas in 80-90% of cases but does not provide as much information to the surgeon as CT.

Angiography (imaging studies where a dye is injected into the veins and X-rays taken to visualise the blood supply to the tumour) is also important for planning surgery.