Cushing’s Disease
Description Cushing’s Disease is an adrenal gland disease in which there is an excess of the steroid hormone, cortisol, within the body. With Cushing’s Disease the body releases too, much of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This disease is rare as it effects 10 to 15 people per million each year. Women and men both can be diagnosed with this disease, but women tend to be affected more than men. The disease can be fatal is not treated correctly and promptly.
Etiology
The etiology of Cushing’s Disease can vary. The main cause of this disease is a tumor or growth at the base of the brain on the pituitary gland. The tumor can also be known as an adenoma or a non-cancerous tumor. The adenoma can cause the body to produce an excess level of cortisol. Cortisol within the body helps to maintain a normal blood pressure along with helping our bodies to cope with and respond to stress.
Signs & Symptoms …show more content…
An individual with Cushing’s Disease may have a round face also know as “moon face”, the “buffalo hump” or large lump on the upper back between the shoulder blades, may bruise easily, stretch marks that are purple in color especially in the abdomen area along with excessive weight gain in the mid-section. They also may encounter excess hair growth on their face, neck and chest. Internal changes may include high blood pressure, diabetes, decreased fertility, lack of sex drive, and general weakness or fatigue. Muscle wasting is also common especially in the thigh
Description Cushing’s Disease is an adrenal gland disease in which there is an excess of the steroid hormone, cortisol, within the body. With Cushing’s Disease the body releases too, much of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This disease is rare as it effects 10 to 15 people per million each year. Women and men both can be diagnosed with this disease, but women tend to be affected more than men. The disease can be fatal is not treated correctly and promptly.
Etiology
The etiology of Cushing’s Disease can vary. The main cause of this disease is a tumor or growth at the base of the brain on the pituitary gland. The tumor can also be known as an adenoma or a non-cancerous tumor. The adenoma can cause the body to produce an excess level of cortisol. Cortisol within the body helps to maintain a normal blood pressure along with helping our bodies to cope with and respond to stress.
Signs & Symptoms …show more content…
An individual with Cushing’s Disease may have a round face also know as “moon face”, the “buffalo hump” or large lump on the upper back between the shoulder blades, may bruise easily, stretch marks that are purple in color especially in the abdomen area along with excessive weight gain in the mid-section. They also may encounter excess hair growth on their face, neck and chest. Internal changes may include high blood pressure, diabetes, decreased fertility, lack of sex drive, and general weakness or fatigue. Muscle wasting is also common especially in the thigh