Symptoms:

Ectopic Cushing syndrome tends to have fewer dramatic symptoms than classic Cushing syndrome, but it can occur with higher blood pressure and a lower potassium level. Weight loss may occur due to cancer.

Symptoms of Cushing syndrome are:

• Abdomen sticks out; arms and legs are thin (central obesity)
• Acne or minor skin infections
• Buffalo hump
• Headache
• Impotence (in men)
• Increased urination
• Menstrual cycle stops (in women)
• Mental changes
• Purple stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
• Round, red, and full face (moon face)
• Tanning or darkening of the skin
• Thirst
• Weakness

Signs and tests:

Tests that may be done include:

• 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine
• Blood tests to check ACTH, cortisol, and potassium levels
• Dexamethasone suppression test
• Fasting glucose
• MRI and CT scans to find tumors