What is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s Disease is a condition caused by a pituitary tumor that secretes excessive amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to produce high levels of cortisol, leading to various health issues. It is important to differentiate between Cushing’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome, as the latter involves excessive cortisol production from the adrenal glands without increased ACTH.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Patients with Cushing’s Disease often exhibit a distinct set of symptoms. These include a rounded face, known as moon face, and upper body obesity with thin arms and legs. A noticeable feature is the buffalo hump, an accumulation of fat on the upper back. Other signs include purple stretch marks on the abdomen, easy bruising, slow wound healing, osteoporosis, and frequent bone fractures. Metabolic disturbances such as high blood sugar, leading to diabetes, and hormonal imbalances affecting menstrual cycles and fertility are also common.
Psychological and Physical Effects
Excessive cortisol can lead to psychological symptoms like mood changes, anxiety, irritability, depression, and memory issues. Patients may also experience persistent high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. These symptoms often prompt a detailed medical evaluation to confirm the presence of a pituitary tumor.
Advanced Surgical Treatment
The primary treatment for Cushing’s Disease is an advanced endoscopic transnasal surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is performed by Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti in collaboration with ENT surgeon Dr. Vyshnavi Bommakanti. Through this approach, the tumor is accessed and removed through the nasal passages, avoiding the need for a skull incision. Successful surgery results in a gradual reduction of ACTH and cortisol levels, leading to an improvement in symptoms such as facial swelling, blood pressure, and mood.
Post-Surgery Monitoring and Recovery
After surgery, patients undergo regular monitoring of blood cortisol and ACTH levels. MRI scans are used to confirm the complete removal or shrinkage of the tumor. Over time, patients’ weight, blood pressure, and mood are closely tracked to ensure a return to normal health. This comprehensive post-operative care is crucial for the successful management of Cushing’s Disease.
Read more: the full Pituitary Adenoma patient guide & video library — videos on symptoms, surgery and recovery.
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More videos on this topic: Tumour Types (Prolactinoma / Acromegaly / Cushing's / Non-functioning) →