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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Tumors Cushing’s Disease/Syndrome

The pituitary gland, located in the brain, secretes the hormone adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) throughout the day to enable the production of cortisol and adrenaline when it is needed. These “fight or flight” hormones help us respond to stress and threatening situations, but overproduction of ACTH from repeated stress can trigger tumor growth. This happens most commonly in women and those ages 20 to 50.  Symptoms include upper body obesity, increased fat around neck, easy bruising, excessive weight gain or hair growth, rounding of the face, severe fatigue, and elevated blood pressure or blood sugar. Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome can trigger overproduction of ACTH.

Best in Care                                                                                  

The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is a state-of-the-art facility for adults and children affected by ACTH tumors. We specialize in minimally invasive treatments that identify and remove tumors with immense accuracy. These advanced techniques pinpoint affected tissue with millimeter precision, enabling our surgeons to remove the tumor or reduce its size and return normal function of the pituitary gland. Minimally invasive endoscopic approaches allow tumor removal through the nasal cavity. Recovery is quicker, because no incision is made.