Cushings disease

Cushing’s disease is caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland that produces a hormone called ACTH – this in turn creates the adrenal glands to produce excessive steroids leading to weight gain, thinning of the skin, hypertension, easy bruising, thinning of the bones and sleeplessness. Symptoms may be present for many years before a diagnosis, especially as the tumours causing this rare condition are typically small and hard to find.

Accurate diagnosis requires careful investigations which involves sampling around the pituitary gland and our centre is highly experienced in this procedure.

Treatment options for patients diagnosed with Cushing’s disease include surgery, radiotherapy, removal of the adrenal glands or tablet treatment to lower the production steroid levels. Options for treatment will be discussed with each patient (and their parents/carer) on an individual basis.