Cushing's Disease & Tumors

Cushing's syndrome, also called hypercortisolism, is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol in the body. Though linked to obesity and diabetes, tumors also cause Cushing's.

Definition

• Cushing's disease is Cushing's syndrome caused by pituitary tumors, whereas Cushing's syndrome is the term used for Cushing's caused by all other tumors and conditions.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome and disease vary, but the most common ones include acne, backache or bone pain, collection of fat between the shoulder blades, weak muscles, and upper body obesity with thin arms and legs. Women may experience hair growth on the face and body and irregular periods.

Pituitary Adenomas

• Tumors affecting the pituitary gland in the brain, called pituitary adenomas, cause hormonal hypersecretion, or overproduction of certain hormones. Excess ACTH hormones cause Cushing's disease as the hormone signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

ACTH-Producing Tumors

• Cancerous, ACTH-producing tumors located outside of the pituitary gland, called ectopic ACTH syndrome, also may lead to Cushing's syndrome as they encourage the release of excess cortisol.

Adrenal Adenomas

• Benign adrenal tumors, known as adenomas, cause the glands to release excess cortisol into the bloodstream.

Adrenal Carcinomas

• Less common than adenomas, carcinomas are cancerous adrenal tumors that cause Cushing's syndrome. The cancer cells secrete high levels of adrenal hormones, including cortisol and androgen (a male hormone).