Alternate Names : Adrenal tumor – Cushing syndrome
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.
Overview, Causes, & 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
Pictures & Images
Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).
-
Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor : Treatment
Review Date : 9/20/2008
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
