Week 8 – Endocrine Pathology – Study Guide

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by glands to regulate body functions.

Hypersecretion

Excess hormone production.

Hyposecretion

Deficient hormone production.

Adenoma

A benign glandular tumour that may secrete hormones.

Adenocarcinoma

A malignant glandular tumour.

Goitre

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Acromegaly

GH excess in adults; results in enlarged hands, feet, jaw.

Cushing’s syndrome

Excess cortisol, can be endogenous or exogenous.

Grave’s Disease

Autoimmune hyperthyroidism caused by TSH-mimicking antibodies.

Hypothyroidism

Reduced T3/T4 leading to fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, and depression.

Pituitary adenomas

Benign, hormone-secreting tumours of the pituitary gland.

Gigantism

Excessive linear growth in children due to GH excess.

Cushing’s Syndrome features

Truncal obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, hyperglycaemia, hypertension.

Addison’s Disease

Adrenal insufficiency characterized by fatigue, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation.

Pheochromocytoma

Adrenal medulla tumour producing catecholamines, leading to episodic hypertension and palpitations.

Type I Diabetes Mellitus

Autoimmune destruction of β-cells resulting in absolute insulin deficiency.

Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin resistance with relative deficiency, associated with obesity.

Chronic hyperglycaemia

Leads to microvascular and macrovascular damage.

Hyperparathyroidism

Excessive PTH resulting in hypercalcaemia and renal stones.

Hypoparathyroidism

Low PTH leading to hypocalcaemia and muscle cramps.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Condition characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and insulin resistance.

Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy-induced insulin resistance.