Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor

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Adrenal metastases, CT scan

Adrenal Tumor - CT

Endocrine glands

Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor is an endocrine system disorder that occurs when there is a tumor of the adrenal gland releasing excess amounts of the hormone cortisol.

Adrenal tumor - Cushing syndrome

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

Adrenal tumors may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Noncancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include:

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• Adrenal adenomas
• Micronodular hyperplasia

Cancerous tumors that may cause Cushing syndrome include:

• Adrenal carcinomas

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.

See also:

• Cushing's disease
• Cushing syndrome
• Ectopic Cushing syndrome
• Exogenous Cushing syndrome

Review Date: 11/23/2009
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).