Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor

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Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor

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

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 non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Non-cancerous 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.

References

Stewart PM. The Adrenal Cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR. Kronenberg: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 14.


Endocrine glands


Adrenal metastases, CT scan


Adrenal Tumor - CT

Review Date: 3/18/2008
Reviewed By: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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