The phrase
"adrenocortical tumors" refers to abnormal growths that develop in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal glands, which are small glands located on top of the kidneys. These tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can cause various hormonal imbalances and may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Full definition
The clinical signs of primary pituitary tumors that secondarily affect the adrenal glands are the same as those of
primary adrenocortical tumors.
There are three main causes for this syndrome: Uncontrolled secretion of the hormone ACTH by the pituitary gland;
Functional adrenocortical tumors; Glucocorticoid therapy.
Rosenthal KL, Peterson ME, Quesenberry KE, Hillyer EV, Moroff SD, N. Beeber N, Lothrop CD: Hyperadrenocorticism associated
with adrenocortical tumor or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland in ferrets: 50 cases (1987 - 1991).
With her Pfizer Animal Health — MAF Fellowship, she will
study adrenocortical tumors, which cause Cushing's disease, one of the most common canine endocrine disorders.