Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is Cushing's Syndrome?

    Cushing’s Syndrome may be caused by an adrenal tumor which makes excessive cortisol (a steroid) or by another type of tumor (often lung or a different type of neuroendocrine tumor) that makes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). 

    Similarly, Cushing's Disease (as opposed to Syndrome) is caused by a pituitary tumor which causes both adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Most patient with Cushing's syndrome have benign (non-cancerous) adrenal nodules. Adrenocortical cancers can (not always) produce excess amounts of hormones, with cortisol being the most common hormone secreted. Imaging characteristics of the nodule/tumor are also usually concerning for malignancy in these cases of cortisol producing adrenal cancers.

    Appointment Information

    To see an endocrine surgeon about your adrenal disorder, call our clinic at 734-936-5830.

    What are the symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome?

    The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome vary and often appear slowly over time. You may have:

    • Weight gain, especially around the waist. This is the most common symptom. You might also have a round face or extra fat around the neck and upper part of the back (buffalo hump).
    • Skin changes, such as bruising, acne, or dark purple-red stretch marks on your belly.
    • Mood changes, such as feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed.
    • Muscle and bone weakness. This may cause backaches, broken bones (especially the ribs and spine), or loss of muscle tone and strength.
    • Changes in sex hormone levels. In women, this may cause irregular periods and growth of facial hair. In men, it may cause erection problems or changes in sex drive.

    Cushing's syndrome can also lead to other health problems, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts.

    How is Cushing's Syndrome diagnosed?

    A doctor who specializes in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) can help diagnose or treat Cushing's syndrome. To find out if you have it, the doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and check your blood pressure, weight, and skin. Cortisol levels will be checked in your blood, saliva, or urine.

    A doctor can usually find out from these tests if steroid medicine is causing the problem. If you don't take steroid medicine or your doctor thinks that something else is causing your symptoms, you may have other tests. These include more tests to check your cortisol and other hormone levels. You may need a CT scan or an MRI to look for a tumor.

    How is Cushing's Syndrome treated?

    If Cushing's syndrome is caused by steroid use, your doctor may help you lower your dose gradually if possible. They might even talk with you about stopping using the steroid. If it's caused by a tumor, surgery may be an option. Medicine, radiation, or surgery to remove the adrenal glands may also be considered.

    Locations
    • Endocrine Oncology Clinic | Rogel Cancer Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor B1 Reception A
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5911       Get Directions
    • General Surgery Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 2 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5331       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Paul Glenn Gauger, MD

    Paul Glenn Gauger, MD

    Professor

    Surgery, Surgical Critical Care

    David Thomas Hughes, MD

    David Thomas Hughes, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Surgery

    Lauren Krumeich, MD

    Lauren Krumeich, MD, MS, FACS

    Assistant Professor

    Surgery

    Susan Clare Pitt, MD

    Susan Clare Pitt, MD

    Associate Professor

    Surgery

    Hunter J Underwood, MD

    Hunter J Underwood, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Surgery

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