Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tu... Health Article

Definition

Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor is an endocrine system disorder that occurs when there is a tumor of the adrenal gland releasing excess amounts of the hormone cortisol.

Alternative Names

Adrenal tumor - Cushing syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cushing syndrome is caused by constant, high levels of the steroid hormone cortisol. A tumor on one of the adrenal glands causes about 15% of all cases of Cushing syndrome. Adrenal tumors release cortisol.

Adrenal tumors may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Noncancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include:

• Adrenal adenomas
• Micronodular hyperplasia

Cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include:

• Adrenal carcinomas

Adrenal tumors are rare. They may develop in anyone at any age, but are much more common in adults. They are found in women more often than men.

See also:

• Cushing's disease
• Cushing syndrome
• Ectopic Cushing syndrome
• Exogenous Cushing syndrome

Symptoms

• Breast development and impotence in men
• Depression
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Round, red, and full face (moon face)
• Skin changes
  • Acne or other skin infections
  • Easy bruising
  • Purple streaks on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
  • Thinning of the skin
• Stopping of menstruation in women
• Weight gain
  • Abdomen that sticks out and thin arms and legs
  • Collection of fat between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
• Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
• Weakness (often noticed when trying to stand up or to raise hand above head)

Patients with a cancerous adrenal tumor may also have symptoms of higher than normal male hormone (androgen) levels, including:

• Acne
• Excess hair in unusual parts of the body (in women)
• Scalp hair loss