What is Cushing’s disease?
Cushing's disease, also known as hypercortisolism, is a rare hormonal condition. A type of Cushing’s syndrome, it’s caused by an adenoma or benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor makes too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that triggers your adrenal glands to release the stress hormone called cortisol. Over time, the abnormally high cortisol levels disrupt the body’s hormone balance and can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Cushing's disease most often occurs in adults aged 20 to 50 years old. The disease can also occur in children.
Cushing's disease is treated by a doctor who specializes in pituitary conditions and hormone-related disorders, called a neuroendocrinologist. Penn Medicine is home to one of the country's few dedicated centers for pituitary gland conditions. With decades of experience, we’re committed to helping you treat and manage Cushing’s disease.
Cushing’s disease symptoms
The main symptom of Cushing's disease is a change in appearance. You may gain weight in unusual ways such as developing fat around your belly and upper body but having thinner arms and legs. A fat pad or buffalo hump might develop between the neck and shoulders, and your face may become more rounded and red. Without treatment, the disease can lead to high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Other symptoms of Cushing's disease can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Abdominal stretch marks
- Fragile, thin skin with easy bruising
- Bone loss
- Poor healing
- Fatigue
What causes Cushing’s disease?
Cushing’s disease is caused by a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland. The causes of pituitary tumors are unknown. With Cushing’s disease, the pituitary gland releases too much ACTH, which then overstimulates the production of cortisol, an important hormone that controls almost every organ and tissue in your body. Cortisol regulates your body’s stress response and helps control your metabolism, including your body’s use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It also suppresses inflammation, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, and helps control your sleep-wake cycle. High levels of cortisol over time can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Cushing’s disease treatment
If you have Cushing’s disease, you’ll need medical treatment to lower your cortisol levels and improve symptoms. Because it’s a pituitary disorder that is progressive, without treatment it will get worse over time. With treatment you can lead an active life with fewer symptoms.
Treatment starts with locating the tumor in your body. In most cases, tumors are in the pituitary gland, though some tumors may be in the adrenal gland or other body organ. Our team of experienced neuroradiologists and neuroendocrinologists will read your test results, giving you the best chance of finding the source of your Cushing's disease. Treatment varies depending on the tumor’s size, location, and complexity and may include noninvasive therapies, surgery, and medications.
Our commitment: Dedicated Cushing’s disease care
Penn Medicine is home to one of the country's few dedicated centers for pituitary gland conditions. As a Pituitary Center of Excellence, we offer:
- Comprehensive care for Cushing’s disease
- Consultation with an endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, and neuroradiologist during your first visit
- Innovative tests and minimally invasive surgical treatments
- Skilled surgeons who perform a high volume of pituitary surgeries each year
- Research and clinical trials for pituitary disorders
Penn physicians and researchers work together to develop better diagnostic and treatment options for Cushing’s disease. We participate in clinical trials of new medications and continue to partner with disease foundations to raise funds and conduct research into new treatments. For instance, promising research is underway to find the genetic markers that drive Cushing's disease. This could lead to better predictions of how tumors will respond to treatment and an improved quality of life for those living with Cushing’s disease.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.