Cushing Syndrome Due to Adrenal Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cushing Syndrome Due to Adrenal Tumor?
An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems, usually manages Cushing syndrome. An endocrine surgeon or urologic surgeon removes the tumor, working with the endocrinologist. Many patients also keep a primary care doctor who helps coordinate care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Cushing syndrome happens when the body has too much cortisol, a hormone that helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and stress. An adrenal tumor is a growth on one of the adrenal glands, two small glands on top of the kidneys. A tumor that makes too much cortisol causes Cushing syndrome.
Symptoms
Many people gain weight around the belly and face while the arms and legs stay thin, and the face may become round and red, sometimes called a moon face. Other signs include purple stretch marks, easy bruising, weak muscles, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
Causes and who gets it
Most adrenal tumors that cause Cushing syndrome are benign, meaning they do not spread. Doctors do not fully know why these tumors form. The condition is rare, and women get it more often than men.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use lab tests of urine, saliva, or blood to check cortisol levels. If tests show too much cortisol, the next step is imaging, such as a CT scan, which can show whether an adrenal gland has a growth. More tests may confirm the tumor is the source.
Treatment
The usual treatment is surgery to remove the tumor and the affected adrenal gland. After surgery, the body often needs months to make normal amounts of cortisol again, and patients may take replacement medicine during that period. Medicines that block cortisol may be used when surgery is not possible.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with a round puffy face, unexplained weight gain in the belly and face, purple stretch marks, or weak muscles should talk to a doctor. Hard-to-control high blood pressure or high blood sugar are also reasons to get checked. Early testing matters because long-term high cortisol harms the heart and bones.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance. A concierge doctor usually charges more and may work alongside insurance. Either can order the first cortisol tests and manage ongoing care. They refer patients to an endocrinologist or surgeon for diagnosis and tumor removal, then handle follow-up visits and long-term monitoring.
Common questions
Is the tumor usually cancer?
No. Most adrenal tumors that cause Cushing syndrome are benign, which means they do not spread. Doctors still test them carefully because treatment depends on the type.
Does Cushing syndrome go away after surgery?
Many people get better after the tumor is removed, but recovery takes time and results differ from person to person. Some need hormone medicine for months or longer while the body adjusts.
Can medicines cause Cushing syndrome too?
Yes. Taking steroid medicines, such as prednisone, in high doses for a long time can cause the same symptoms. This form is not caused by a tumor and is managed differently.
Is Cushing syndrome the same as Cushing disease?
No. Cushing disease is a specific type caused by a growth in the pituitary gland, a small gland in the brain. An adrenal tumor is a different source of the same hormone problem.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Cushing syndrome
- MedlinePlus - Cushing syndrome due to adrenal tumor
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
