What is the definition of Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

Cushing 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.

What are the alternative names for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

Adrenal tumor - Cushing syndrome

What are the causes for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

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 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 cortisol

Cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include an adrenal carcinoma. This is a rare tumor, but it usually makes excess cortisol.

What are the symptoms for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

Most people with Cushing syndrome have:

• Round, red, full face (moon face)
• 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
• Thin skin with easy bruising

Muscle and bone changes include:

• Backache, which occurs with routine activities
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Collection of fat between the shoulders and above the collar bone
• Rib and spine fractures caused by thinning of the bones
• Weak muscles, especially of the hips and shoulders

Body-wide (systemic) changes include:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• High blood pressure
• Increased cholesterol and triglycerides

Women 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 problems

Other symptoms that may occur include:

• Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety, or changes in behavior
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased thirst and urination

What are the current treatments for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

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.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

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.

What are the possible complications for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

Cancerous adrenal tumors can spread to the liver or lungs.

When should I contact a medical professional for Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

Call your provider if you develop any symptoms of Cushing syndrome.

How do I prevent Cushing Syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor?

Appropriate treatment of adrenal tumors may reduce the risk of complications in some people with adrenal tumor-related Cushing syndrome.

REFERENCES

Asban 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.

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 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26222757.

Stewart PM, Newell-Price JDC. The adrenal cortex. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 15.