Ectopic Cushing syndrome refers to the production of ACTH in a location other than the pituitary gland or adrenal gland . Examples of ectopic sites include thymoma , medullary carcinoma of the thyroid , pheochromocytoma , islet cell tumors of the pancreas , and oat cell carcinoma of the lung. Symptoms include weight gain, central obesity , moon face, weakness, fatigue, backache, headache, increased thirst, increased urination, impotence , mental status changes , and muscle atrophy .
Treatment varies with cause.
If an ACTH secreting tumor is involved then it must be removed surgically.