Cushing's Syndrome & Cushing's Disease

Causes & Prevention

Cushing's Syndrome: Causes

Etiology (summary)
• Exogenous glucocorticoids and/or ACTH
• Endogenous ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism:
o ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor
o Ectopic ACTH production (e.g., small cell carcinoma of lung, bronchial carcinoid)

Causes of Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol over extended periods of time.

High cortisol exposure can result from:

  • taking glucocorticoid hormones such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or other inflammatory diseases for prolonged periods

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.