1. Know the Symptoms for Ectopic Cushing Syndrome
Ectopic cushing syndrome, which is the result of tumors that secrete an excess of hormones near the adrenal gland, can be easily treated through surgery. It's important to identify the symptoms of ectopic cushing syndrome before the tumors have a chance to spread or become cancerous. These symptoms include a thinning out of the arms and legs, coupled with a thickening of the waistline, as well as headaches, increased urination, thirst and general weakness. Impotency is common with men, and menstrual cycles can halt in women.
2. Undergo the Exams and Tests
If you have identified the more common symptoms of ectopic cushing syndrome, your doctor will conduct of series of tests to monitor hormone levels in the bloodstream and isolate tumors in various parts of the body. Urine tests can determine abnormal levels of creatine and cortisol, which may indicate the presence of tumors near the adrenal glands. Blood tests can confirm an excess of adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH), cortisol and potassium. A fasting glucose test may be administered to confirm these findings.
Once these levels are measured in the blood and urine and ectopic cushing syndrome is suspected, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or a CT scan may be conducted to locate tumors throughout the body. While these tumors are usually located near the adrenal gland, they can often spread to the pancreas, lungs and the thyroid gland as well.
3. Distinguish Ectopic Cushing Syndrome From Other Types of Cushing
Ectopic cushing syndrome differs from other cushing syndromes in that the symptoms are usually less severe. Identifying and treating ectopic cushing syndrome in a timely manner may be even more crucial, since it can occur in cancer patients and spread while the immune system is compromised by chemotherapy. Approximately 15 percent of all cushing syndromes are of the ectopic variety.
