Therefore, our aim was to investigate the expression of key proteins involved in different autophagy steps in both adrenocortical adenomas (ACA) and ACC, to further understand the role of autophagy in this type of tumors, particularly its involvement in the pathophysiology of ACC.<h4>Methods</h4>Autophagy status was evaluated in ACA (n=20) and ACC (n=29) by assessing the expression of autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B), and sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1), using immunohistochemistry. This evidence concerns the gene SQSTM1 and adrenal cortex carcinoma.