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Ency. home > Disease > C > Cushing's syndrome - caused by adrenal tumor

Cushing's syndrome - caused by adrenal tumor    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Definition:

a metabolic disorder is caused by excessive production of cortisol by a tumor of the adrenal gland.

Causes and Risks

Cushing's syndrome is caused by excess glucocorticoid hormone secretion over a long period of time. Primary tumors of the adrenal glands (adrenal adenomas, adrenal carcinomas, micronodular hyperplasia) that secrete cortisol account for 15% of the cases of Cushing's syndrome. Other causes are secretion of ACTH by a pituitary tumor or from another organ (ectopic Cushing's syndrome), or by chronic administration of corticosteroids--drugs commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

Adrenal tumors may occur at any age, but 70% occur in adults. The frequency is higher among women. The incidence is 6 out of 1,000,000 people.

Ency. home > Disease > C > Cushing's syndrome - caused by adrenal tumor

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