Benign cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas produce small amounts of androgens.

Background: Serum androgen levels are below normal in patients with benign cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas, owing to ACTH suppression. Associated androgen secretion is usually considered as indicative of malignancy. The objective of the study was to analyse the androgen-producing ability of cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas.