Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause the tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The cause of most cases of cancerous adrenal cortical carcinoma is not known. However, people with certain hereditary conditions have a higher risk of developing an adrenal gland tumor, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Carney complex. People who have a high risk of developing an adrenal gland tumor because of family history should be examined and evaluated yearly by their doctor.