Cushing’s Disease

Cushing's disease is a serious condition of an excess of the steroid hormone cortisol in the blood level
caused by a pituitary tumor secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is a hormone
produced by the normal pituitary gland. ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands (located on top of the
kidneys) to produce cortisol, commonly referred to as the stress hormone.

Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by the body’s exposure to an excess of the hormone cortisol.
Cortisol affects all tissues and organs in the body. These effects together are known as Cushing's
syndrome.

So to differentiate Cushing’s Disease from Cushing’ syndrome, Cushing syndrome is the general state
characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the blood. Cushing disease is another type of the Cushing
syndrome

Cushing's disease is rare, affecting 10 to 15 people per million each year, most commonly adults
between 20 and 50 years of age. Women account for more than 70 percent of cases.

Most patients with Cushing's disease have small tumors (pituitary microadenomas). However, it can be
difficult to diagnosis Cushing's disease, and the diagnosis is often delayed.