OBSOLETE: Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome (also called hypercortisolism) is a condition where the body is exposed to too much of a hormone called cortisol for a long period of time. Cortisol is sometimes called the 'stress hormone' because it helps the body respond to stress, but when there is too much of it, it causes serious problems throughout the body. Cushing syndrome can happen because of a tumor in the pituitary gland (a small gland in the brain), a tumor in the adrenal glands (which sit on top of the kidneys), a tumor elsewhere in the body that makes a cortisol-triggering hormone, or from taking steroid medications like prednisone for a long time. When caused by a pituitary tumor, it is sometimes called Cushing's disease specifically. The condition affects many parts of the body at once. People with Cushing syndrome often gain weight, especially around the belly and upper back, and develop a rounded 'moon face.' The skin becomes fragile, bruises easily, and may develop purple or pink stretch marks. Muscles become weak, bones lose strength, blood pressure rises, and blood sugar can increase, sometimes leading to diabetes. Mood changes, depression, and anxiety are also very common. Treatment depends on the cause. Surgery to remove a tumor is often the first choice and can be curative. Radiation therapy and medications that lower cortisol levels — such as metyrapone, ketoconazole, mifepristone (Korlym), osilodrostat (Isturisa), or pasireotide (Signifor) — are also used. With proper treatment, many people improve significantly, though recovery can take months to years. This condition is listed as 'obsolete' in some rare disease registries because it is now classified into more specific subtypes.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What is causing my Cushing syndrome — is it a tumor, and where is it located?,What treatment do you recommend for my specific case, and what are the chances it will work?,How long will it take to feel better after treatment, and what symptoms should I expect during recovery?,What are the risks of surgery or other treatments, and what happens if the first treatment doesn't work?,Should I be tested for a genetic condition that might have caused this?,What signs should I watch for that might mean the condition has come back?,Are there support groups or specialists in Cushing syndrome I should connect with?

Common questions about OBSOLETE: Cushing syndrome

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside OBSOLETE: Cushing syndrome.

• Adrenocortical carcinoma→
• Carney complex→