Cortisol, or hydrocortisone, is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, glands that sit atop the kidneys. One of the main roles of cortisol is regulating the stress response, and it is secreted when the body is under stress. Centers within the brain release hormones that elevate cortisol levels by signaling to the adrenal glands, which respond by producing more cortisol. High levels of cortisol can be due to an underlying disease.
Pituitary Tumors
The pituitary gland is structure at the base of the brain that secretes a number of hormones. Among these is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ATCH. ATCH travels throughout the bloodstream and signals for the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Under normal conditions, secretion of ATCH, and therefore the levels of cortisol, are regulated by the body.
The growth of tumors in the anterior pituitary gland can lead to higher levels of ATCH, reports the IRSA, an organization within the University of British Columbia. The excess ATCH leads to elevated cortisol levels, since the adrenal gland is constantly signaled to produce and secrete the hormone. Treating the pituitary tumor should lower ATCH levels, and therefore lower cortisol levels.
Adrenal Tumors
Tumors within the adrenal gland can also lead to abnormally elevated cortisol levels. Development of tumors within the adrenal gland may increase the number of cells secreting cortisol, or lead to dysregulation of cortisol secretion, so the cells are always producing cortisol. Adrenal tumors may be benign or cancerous, according to Medline Plus. Benign tumors that lead to elevated cortisol levels are micronodular hyperplasia or adrenal adenomas, and cancerous tumors that can elevate cortisol levels are adrenal carcinomas. Benign or cancerous adrenal tumors may be treated by a combination of medication, surgery or radiation therapy.
Lung Tumors
In some cases, other tumor growths within the body can secrete ATCH that leads to elevated cortisol levels. This disorder is called ectopic ATCH syndrome. Massachusetts General Hospital reports that lung cancers account for around half the cases of ATCH syndrome. The lung cancers most commonly responsible for elevated cortisol levels are small cell lung cancer or oat cell cancer. Patients with these cancers will often suffer from chest pain and breathing problems, along with symptoms as a result of elevated cortisol levels. Lung cancers can be treated with a combination of therapies that may including surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.
