Home Health Center Cushing Syndrome   Cushing Syndrome - Causes

Causes of Cushing Syndrome



The adrenal glands produce various hormones including cortisol. Cortisol helps in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and in regulating the blood pressure. Some of the causes of Cushing Syndrome are:

• Pituitary Adenomas: These are non-cancerous or benign tumors that secrete Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in high amounts. A single adenoma is present in most patients.
• Ectopic ACTH Syndrome: Some malignant or benign tumors that develop away from the pituitary can release ACTH. This condition is called Ectopic ACTH Syndrome. Around 50 percent of the causes are brought about by lung tumors. This syndrome affects men more than women. Common types of tumors which produce ACTH are small cell lung cancer or oat cell which are responsible for around 25 percent of the cases of lung cancer. The less common kinds of tumors that secrete ACHT are medullary carcinomas, pancreatic islet cell tumors and thymomas of the thyroid.
• Adrenal Tumors: At times the abnormal functioning of the adrenal gland, usually an adrenal tumor, brings about Cushing's syndrome. This condition usually affects people over the age of 40. Most often these cases involve non-cancerous tumors of the adrenal tissue known as adrenal adenomas, which release the excess cortisol into the blood. Adrenal cancers or adrenocortical carcinomas are one of the least common causes of Cushing's syndrome.
• Familial Cushing's Syndrome: In rare cases Cushing's Syndrome may be hereditary.