INFORMATION ON CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by increased production of cortisol, or by too much use of cortisol or other steroid hormones
CAUSES OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Cushing's syndrome is a condition that outcome from a surplus of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is Cushing's disease, caused by too much production of the hormone ACTH by the pituitary gland. ACTH encourage the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Cushing's syndrome can be caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland, a tumor of the adrenal gland.
Dangerous factors for Cushing's syndrome are adrenal or pituitary tumors, long-term therapy with corticosteroids, and being female.
SYMPTOMS OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
• The face looks like round, red, and full like moon
• A collection of fat between the shoulders like hump
• Central obesity with protruding abdomen and thin extremities
• Weight will be gained
• Feel weakness
• Backache
• Headache
• Superficial skin infections
• Thin skin with easy bruising
• Thirst
• Urination increases
• Purple striations on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
• Mental changes
• Hair growth on face
TREATMENT OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Treatment of Cushing’s Syndrome entirely depends upon the cause of the disorder. In Cushing's syndrome caused by drug therapy with corticosteroids, the drug dose must be gradually slow down under medical supervision.
In Cushing's disease caused by a pituitary tumor, surgery to takeout the tumor is recommended. Radiation is needed sometimes. Hydrocortisone (cortisol) replacement therapy is needed after surgery. In some cases, life-long cortisol-replacement therapy becomes essential.
Cushing's syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor is generally treated by surgical removal of the tumor. If the tumor is not able to be removed, certain medicines can suppress the secretion of cortisol.
In Cushing's syndrome caused by a tumor secreting ACTH, the best way to treat the Cushing's syndrome is removal of the tumor.
