#cushings

How is Adrenal Cushing's syndrome caused?:

A tumor present on the adrenal glands (located above both kidneys) will produce an excessive amount of cortisol. This tumor can be malignant or benign, however both types will secrete cortisol.

This extra production of cortisol that is sent throughout the bloodstream, triggers the onset of hypercortisolism in blood (Cushing’s syndrome)

Benign tumors include: Adrenal adenomas (Tumor growing along the epithelial tissue of the adrenal gland) and micronodular hyperplasia (Micronodules growing along the adrenal gland)

Malignant tumors that could cause Cushing’s include: Adrenal carcinomas (Tumor that similar to an adenoma, forms in the epithelial tissue of the adrenal gland)

What are some symptoms?:

Weight gain in the central part of the body (Thin arms and legs)

Rounded face (referred to as moon face)

Fragile skin, prone to easy bruising and poor wound healing

Muscle weakness

Hypertension

Memory loss

Depression

Sleeplessness

Women may also experience: Irregularity or loss of periods (Amenorrhea) and male-pattern face and body hair growth (hirsutism)

Men may also experience: Erectile dysfunction

Types of treatment available?:

Patients can use medications that target the adrenal glands in order to control the excessive cortisol production. Medications include: Ketoconazole, Osilodrostat, and Mitotane

A more permanent option of treating Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome would be an adrenalectomy, in which patients have their adrenal glands surgically removed.

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Note: First post and whew, this was really interesting to research the mechanics of Cushing's syndrome itself. It was also cool to find out that tumors just produce hormones?? The body works in really funny way...but anyways to finish off here is a meme I made (it isnt very funny but the background photo's dumb so i still laughed)