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Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor

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Definition:

Cushing syndrome is an endocrine system disorder that has several possible causes. This article discusses Cushing syndrome caused by too much production of cortisol due to an adrenal gland tumor.

Alternative Names:

Adrenal tumor - Cushing syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

Adrenal tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Non-cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include adrenal adenomas or micronodular hyperplasia. Adrenal carcinomas are cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome.

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.

For other causes and information about Cushing syndrome see:

Cushing syndrome

Ectopic Cushing syndrome

Exogenous Cushing syndrome

See also:

Cushing's disease

• Review Date: 8/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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