Cushing Syndrome

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Cushing syndrome may affect anyone at any age. It develops when the body either produces too much of a certain hormone called cortisol or the patient might be receiving too much cortisol through corticosteroid hormone therapy. When a person receives too much cortisol, it’s diagnosed as hypercortisolism. This can lead to an interference in the production of other hormones from the other glands, not just the adrenal glands. If left untreated, Cushing syndrome may lead to Cushing’s disease. Many patients develop “moon face” or a “hump back”, along with many other symptoms, if this disease is left untreated for too long. Cushing syndrome was named after Harvey Cushing in 1912. “Harvey Cushing first described the symptom complex of obesity, diabetes, hirsutism, and adrenal hyperplasia. He gave a vivid description of his first patient who was 23 years old and presented with the “most extraordinary appearance”” (“Osler’s phenomenon”: misdiagnosing Cushing’s syndrome; Postgraduate Medical Journal; October 2003). Although, Sir William Osier was the first to describe the symptoms of Cushing’s, but diagnosed his patient with myxoedema by mistake. Unfortunately many people were misdiagnosed, therefore, leading to mortality. In 1933, Cushing performed his first neurosurgery on his patient, which did not gain acceptance until much later. “Adrenal surgery was for many years the treatment of hypercorticism but prior to the availability of glucocorticosteroids substitution an extremely perilous undertaking” (Cushing’s syndrome: Historical Aspects, Lindholm J., October 2000). Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s include: weight gain and fatty deposits; stretch marks on the thighs, abdomen, breasts, and arms; thin, fragile skin that bruises easily; sl... ... middle of paper ... ...help many patients find others to talk to and learn how to live with this syndrome. “They bring you together with other people who are coping with the same kinds of challenges, along with their families and friends, and offer a setting in which you can share common problems” (Cushing Syndrome, Mayo Clinic staff, mayoclinic.com, March 2013). Cushing’s syndrome is, in my opinion, a very fascinating disease. The body, which usually tries to heal itself, can actually attack itself. It’s comforting to know medication and surgery, along with lifestyle changes, may right the body again. Works Cited • Lindholm J., (2000). Cushing’s syndrome: Historical Aspects. www.lirn.net • Mayo Clinic Staff, (2013). Cushing Syndrome. Mayoclinic.com • P De; Evans, LM; Scanlon, MF; Davies, JS; (2003). Osler’s Phenomenon: Misdiagnosing Cushing’s syndrome. Postgraduate Medical Journal

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