Cushing’s Syndrome is also known as hypercortisolism and is where there is high levels of cortisol, a hormone, in the body. It seems to strike more prominently in those aged 20 to 50 and those with poorly controlled blood pressure and blood glucose.
Symptoms and Signs
While there are several varying signs of Cushing’s, most will have a rounded face, slender arms and legs, obesity in the upper body, and fat around the neck. Those with the condition will bruise easily, heal badly, and have thin fragile skin. Women will see more hair growth on their stomach, thighs, neck and face. Men may have erectile dysfunction and a lack of desire.
Testing
There are three common tests for Cushing’s Syndrome. There is the 24 hour urinary free cortisol test, the lose dose dexamethasone suppression test, and the late night salivary cortisol measurement. Any of these three can give the doctor a good idea if it is the hormonal condition or if there is another condition causing the symptoms.
Treating Cushing’s Syndrome
There is a large range of treatments for this condition. Options will include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, cortisol-inhibiting drugs and noncorticosteroid drugs. If the condition is caused by the use of long term glucocorticoid steroids, modification of that treatment program may reduce the symptoms of Cushing’s.
Surgery Options for One of the Causes
If the cause if from a pituitary adenoma, removing the tumor surgically may help. It is called a transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Success rate on this type of surgery is 80%. Afterward, there is replacement cortisol therapy that may last years or be something that is life-long.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
Radiation of the pituitary gland over a six week treatment program can give a 40 to 50 percent improvement in adults and an 85 percent improvement in children. It can be given with other drugs to help increase the prognosis of the patient. Chemotherapy is another option if there are tumors that are helping to raise the cortisol levels.
Cushing’s Syndrome has many different causes, diagnosing procedures, and treatment options. A healthcare official can tell you what your best cause of attack is so that you are well on your way to living a better life with the condition.
Source:
NIH Publication No. 08-3007, July 2008