05/07/2026
Cushing’s Syndrome vs. Cushing’s Disease — What’s the Difference?
Cushing’s syndrome is the umbrella term for any condition caused by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol, regardless of the source. That source may be a tumor in the body or external. This medication-induced form is called exogenous Cushing’s syndrome and is actually the most common overall.
Cushing’s disease is a specific type of Cushing’s syndrome. It occurs when a benign pituitary tumor (adenoma) produces too much ACTH, which in turn signals the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. It is the most common cause of endogenous (internally produced) hypercortisolism.