BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCushing syndrome due to adrenal tumorAdrenal tumor - Cushing syndrome; Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal tumorCushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor is a form of Cushing syndrome. It occurs when a tumor of the adrenal gland releases excess amounts of the hormone cortisol.Cushing syndromeCushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a high level of the hormone cortisol.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a higher than normal level of the hormone cortisol. This hormone is made in the adrenal glands. Too much cortisol can be due to various problems. One such problem is a tumor on one of the adrenal glands. Adrenal tumors release cortisol.Adrenal glandsThe adrenal glands are two small triangle-shaped glands in the upper abdomen. One gland is located on top of each kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Adrenal tumors are rare. They can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).Noncancerous tumors that can cause Cushing syndrome include:Adrenal adenomas, a common tumor that rarely makes excess cortisol Macronodular hyperplasia, which causes the adrenal glands to enlarge and make excess cortisolHyperplasiaHyperplasia is increased cell production in a normal tissue or organ. Hyperplasia may be a sign of abnormal or precancerous changes. This is called...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include an adrenal carcinoma. This is a rare tumor, but it usually makes excess cortisol. Symptoms Most people with Cushing syndrome have:Round, red, full face (moon face) Moon faceFacial swelling is the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Slow growth rate in children Weight gain with fat accumulation on the trunk, but fat loss from the arms, legs, and buttocks (central obesity) Skin changes that are often seen:Skin infections Purple stretch marks (1/2 inch or 1 centimeter or more wide), called striae, on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and breasts StriaeStretch marks are irregular areas of skin that look like bands, stripes, or lines. Stretch marks are seen when a person grows or gains weight rapidl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thin skin with easy bruising Muscle and bone changes include:Backache, which occurs with routine activities Bone pain or tenderness Bone pain or tendernessBone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collection of fat between the shoulders and above the collar bone Rib and spine fractures caused by thinning of the bones Thinning of the bonesOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weak muscles, especially of the hips and shoulders Body-wide (systemic) changes include:Type 2 diabetes mellitus High blood pressure Increased cholesterol and triglyceridesWomen often have:Excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs (more common than in other types of Cushing syndrome) Periods that become irregular or stop Men may have:Decreased or no desire for sex (low libido) Erection problemsErection problemsAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms that may occur include: Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety, or changes in behavior DepressionDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Headache Increased thirst and urination Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.Tests to confirm Cushing syndrome:24-hour urine sample to measure cortisol and creatinine levels 24-hour urine sampleThe urine 24-hour volume test measures the amount of urine produced in a day. The amounts of creatinine, protein, and other chemicals released into ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CortisolThe cortisol urine test measures the level of cortisol in the urine. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid (steroid) hormone produced by the adrenal gland. C...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CreatinineThe creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests to check ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), cortisol, and potassium levels Dexamethasone suppression test Dexamethasone suppression testThe dexamethasone suppression test measures whether cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland can be suppressed. It can also help assess the reason fo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood cortisol levels Blood cortisol levelsThe cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid (glucocorticoid or corticosteroid) hormone produced by th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood DHEA level Saliva cortisol level Tests to determine cause or complications include:Abdominal CT -- usually with and without IV contrast Abdominal CTAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ACTH Bone mineral density Cholesterol Fasting glucose In some cases, you need a special test called adrenal vein sampling to determine which adrenal gland is making too much cortisol and causing Cushing syndrome. Treatment Surgery is done to remove the adrenal tumor. Often, the entire adrenal gland is removed.Glucocorticoid replacement treatment is usually needed until the other adrenal gland recovers from surgery. You may need this treatment for 3 to 12 months.If surgery is not possible, such as in cases of adrenal cancer that has spread (metastasis), medicines can be used to stop the release of cortisol. Outlook (Prognosis) People with an adrenal tumor who have surgery have an excellent outlook. For adrenal cancer, surgery is sometimes not possible. When surgery is performed, it does not always cure the cancer. Possible Complications Cancerous adrenal tumors can spread to the liver or lungs. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop any symptoms of Cushing syndrome. Prevention Appropriate treatment of adrenal tumors may reduce the risk of complications in some people with adrenal tumor-related Cushing syndrome.Open ReferencesReferencesAsban A, Patel AJ, Reddy S, Wang T, Balentine CJ, Chen H. Cancer of the endocrine system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 68.Fragaso MCBV, Berthon A, Bertherat J. Adrenocorticotropic hormone–independent Cushing syndrome. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 97.Newell-Price JDC, Auchus RJ. The adrenal cortex. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15.Nieman LK, Biller BM, Findling JW, et al. Treatment of Cushing's syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(8):2807-2831. PMID: 26222757 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26222757/.AllVideoImagesTogEndocrine glands - illustration 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 rate of metabolism in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).Endocrine glandsillustrationAdrenal metastases - CT scan - illustration This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows an adrenal metastasis (spreading of a tumor to the adrenal gland, above the kidney) in a person with lung cancer.Adrenal metastases - CT scanillustrationAdrenal Tumor - CT - illustration CT scan of the upper abdomen in a person with a right adrenal mass. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.Adrenal Tumor - CTillustrationEndocrine glands - illustration 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 rate of metabolism in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).Endocrine glandsillustrationAdrenal metastases - CT scan - illustration This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows an adrenal metastasis (spreading of a tumor to the adrenal gland, above the kidney) in a person with lung cancer.Adrenal metastases - CT scanillustrationAdrenal Tumor - CT - illustration CT scan of the upper abdomen in a person with a right adrenal mass. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.Adrenal Tumor - CTillustration Tests for Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor Dexamethasone suppression testBlood sugar testRelated Information Cushing syndrome(Condition)Adrenal glands(Special Topic)Cancer(Condition)ACTH blood test(Medical Test)Pituitary tumor(Condition)Ectopic Cushing syndrome(Condition)Chronic(Special Topic)Metastasis(Special Topic) Review Date: 5/12/2023 Reviewed By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumorAdrenal tumor - Cushing syndrome; Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal tumorCushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor is a form of Cushing syndrome. It occurs when a tumor of the adrenal gland releases excess amounts of the hormone cortisol.Cushing syndromeCushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a high level of the hormone cortisol.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a higher than normal level of the hormone cortisol. This hormone is made in the adrenal glands. Too much cortisol can be due to various problems. One such problem is a tumor on one of the adrenal glands. Adrenal tumors release cortisol.Adrenal glandsThe adrenal glands are two small triangle-shaped glands in the upper abdomen. One gland is located on top of each kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Adrenal tumors are rare. They can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).Noncancerous tumors that can cause Cushing syndrome include:Adrenal adenomas, a common tumor that rarely makes excess cortisol Macronodular hyperplasia, which causes the adrenal glands to enlarge and make excess cortisolHyperplasiaHyperplasia is increased cell production in a normal tissue or organ. Hyperplasia may be a sign of abnormal or precancerous changes. This is called...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include an adrenal carcinoma. This is a rare tumor, but it usually makes excess cortisol. Symptoms Most people with Cushing syndrome have:Round, red, full face (moon face) Moon faceFacial swelling is the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Slow growth rate in children Weight gain with fat accumulation on the trunk, but fat loss from the arms, legs, and buttocks (central obesity) Skin changes that are often seen:Skin infections Purple stretch marks (1/2 inch or 1 centimeter or more wide), called striae, on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and breasts StriaeStretch marks are irregular areas of skin that look like bands, stripes, or lines. Stretch marks are seen when a person grows or gains weight rapidl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thin skin with easy bruising Muscle and bone changes include:Backache, which occurs with routine activities Bone pain or tenderness Bone pain or tendernessBone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Collection of fat between the shoulders and above the collar bone Rib and spine fractures caused by thinning of the bones Thinning of the bonesOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weak muscles, especially of the hips and shoulders Body-wide (systemic) changes include:Type 2 diabetes mellitus High blood pressure Increased cholesterol and triglyceridesWomen often have:Excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs (more common than in other types of Cushing syndrome) Periods that become irregular or stop Men may have:Decreased or no desire for sex (low libido) Erection problemsErection problemsAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms that may occur include: Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety, or changes in behavior DepressionDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Headache Increased thirst and urination Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.Tests to confirm Cushing syndrome:24-hour urine sample to measure cortisol and creatinine levels 24-hour urine sampleThe urine 24-hour volume test measures the amount of urine produced in a day. The amounts of creatinine, protein, and other chemicals released into ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CortisolThe cortisol urine test measures the level of cortisol in the urine. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid (steroid) hormone produced by the adrenal gland. C...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CreatinineThe creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests to check ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), cortisol, and potassium levels Dexamethasone suppression test Dexamethasone suppression testThe dexamethasone suppression test measures whether cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland can be suppressed. It can also help assess the reason fo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood cortisol levels Blood cortisol levelsThe cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid (glucocorticoid or corticosteroid) hormone produced by th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood DHEA level Saliva cortisol level Tests to determine cause or complications include:Abdominal CT -- usually with and without IV contrast Abdominal CTAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ACTH Bone mineral density Cholesterol Fasting glucose In some cases, you need a special test called adrenal vein sampling to determine which adrenal gland is making too much cortisol and causing Cushing syndrome. Treatment Surgery is done to remove the adrenal tumor. Often, the entire adrenal gland is removed.Glucocorticoid replacement treatment is usually needed until the other adrenal gland recovers from surgery. You may need this treatment for 3 to 12 months.If surgery is not possible, such as in cases of adrenal cancer that has spread (metastasis), medicines can be used to stop the release of cortisol. Outlook (Prognosis) People with an adrenal tumor who have surgery have an excellent outlook. For adrenal cancer, surgery is sometimes not possible. When surgery is performed, it does not always cure the cancer. Possible Complications Cancerous adrenal tumors can spread to the liver or lungs. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop any symptoms of Cushing syndrome. Prevention Appropriate treatment of adrenal tumors may reduce the risk of complications in some people with adrenal tumor-related Cushing syndrome.Open ReferencesReferencesAsban A, Patel AJ, Reddy S, Wang T, Balentine CJ, Chen H. Cancer of the endocrine system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 68.Fragaso MCBV, Berthon A, Bertherat J. Adrenocorticotropic hormone–independent Cushing syndrome. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 97.Newell-Price JDC, Auchus RJ. The adrenal cortex. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15.Nieman LK, Biller BM, Findling JW, et al. Treatment of Cushing's syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(8):2807-2831. PMID: 26222757 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26222757/.