Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by a group of signs and symptoms that are brought on by an extended exposure to glucocorticoids like cortisol. High blood pressure, abdominal obesity but with thin arms and legs, reddish stretch marks, a round red face, a fat bulge between the shoulders, weak muscles, weak bones, acne, and fragile skin that heals poorly are some of the signs and symptoms that can be associated with this condition. It’s possible for women to have more hair and menstrual cycles that aren’t regular. There is a possibility that you might experience shifts in mood, headaches, and a persistent sensation of exhaustion at times.
Cushing’s syndrome can be brought on by an overdose of a cortisol-like medicine, such as prednisone, or it can be brought on by a tumor in the adrenal glands that either creates an excessive amount of cortisol or causes the adrenal glands to produce an excessive amount of cortisol. Cushing’s illness is the medical term given to cases that are brought on by a pituitary adenoma. This condition is the second most prevalent cause of Cushing’s syndrome, behind medication. Cushing’s syndrome might also be brought on by a variety of different tumors, most of which are classified as ectopic because they develop in locations other than the pituitary gland. Some of them are linked to hereditary conditions, such Carney complex and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, for example. The process of diagnosis involves a number of phases. The first thing that should be done is to examine the individual’s current pharmaceutical regimen. After taking dexamethasone, the second step is to determine the levels of cortisol found in the blood, saliva, or urine of the patient. In the event that this test comes out abnormal, the cortisol level may be evaluated after midnight. A blood test for ACTH may be performed if the cortisol level continues to be elevated.
The vast majority of cases are treatable and curable.
If the cause is a medicine, it is generally possible to gradually reduce the dosage, if it is still necessary, or to gradually stop taking the drug altogether.
If the condition is brought on by a tumor, it is possible to treat it with a combination of surgical removal, chemotherapy, and/or radiation treatment.
In the event that the pituitary gland was harmed, it is possible that additional drugs will be necessary to compensate for the function that it no longer possesses.
After receiving therapy, a patient’s life expectancy often returns to normal. Those patients in whom the surgeon is unable to remove the entire tumor by surgical intervention have a higher chance of passing away.
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