Acromegaly develops when a benign pituitary tumor develops and secretes increased levels of growth hormone (GH). Acromegaly is characterized by somatic overgrowth (often in the hands, feet, and face), and other physical changes, joint pain, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems, among others. When left untreated, acromegaly can lead to premature mortality.  

Learn More

Carcinoid syndrome is a collection of symptoms that occur when a subset of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) actively release excessive amounts of hormones (serotonin and others) that cause debilitating flushing, diarrhea, bronchospasms (weakness and shortness of breath), venous telangiectasia (spider veins), and cardiac valvular lesions. NETs are a rare, heterogenous type of cancer that originate from neuroendocrine cells, most often in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and pancreas. 

Learn More

Classic CAH is a subset of CAH, a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21-OH), leading to impaired cortisol synthesis in the adrenal gland. The lack of cortisol results in persistently high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreted by the pituitary gland, leading to an excess of androgens. Elevated androgens can cause infertility, ambiguous genitalia, precocious puberty, and excessive facial hair.

Learn More

Cushing’s syndrome is a disease in which the body makes too much cortisol. One cause of this is a condition known as ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, which most often  develops when a benign pituitary tumor grows and secretes increased levels of ACTH. Increased levels of ACTH result in excessive cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands. Symptoms may include a round and red face, a hump on the back of the neck, purple stretch marks on the chest, armpits, and abdomen, skin changes such as acne, excessive facial hair, easy bruising, and rapid weight gain, especially focused in the abdomen.

Learn More