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There are several known risk factors for adrenal carcinoma, the majority of which are specific genetic syndromes. Although most adrenal carcinomas are not inherited, a small number (up to 15 percent) can be linked to a genetic defect. Most genetic adrenal carcinomas affect children.

The genetic syndromes that have been linked to an increased risk of adrenal carcinoma include:

  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
  • Von Hippel-Lindau disease
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia (types 1 and 2)
  • Familiar adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)
  • Carney complex

While most people who have these syndromes do not develop cancer, they can increase the risk of developing an adrenal tumor. For this reason, it is especially important for people who have these syndromes – or parents of children who have these syndromes – to be vigilant for any unusual symptoms.

People who use tobacco products also have an increased risk of developing adrenal tumors (among other cancers). As a result, people who use tobacco are advised to quit, as the risk of developing many conditions drops shortly after smoking cessation.

To learn more about how adrenal tumors develop, and what to do if you have one or more adrenal carcinoma risk factors, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. At Moffitt Cancer Center, we offer not only comprehensive cancer treatment, but also genetic counseling, cancer screenings and other services to assist with both prevention and early detection. Anyone who wishes to make an appointment at Moffitt can do so with or without a physician’s referral.