Cushing syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney. It plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress response. Causes: Cushing's syndrome can be caused by various factors, including: 1. Excessive Cortisol Production: The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This can be due to adrenal tumors, either benign (adenomas) or malignant (carcinomas), that secrete cortisol autonomously. 2. Pituitary Adenoma: In some cases, a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) can produce an excess of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This, in turn, stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. 3. Ectopic ACTH Production: Rarely, some tumors outside the pituitary gland, such as in the lungs