Directions: Read the following case study and answer the questions at the end of the case.
A 42-year-old woman presented with a 6-month Hx of progressive weakness. She had facial and central obesity with muscle wasting in the extremities. As an initial screening test, a 24-hour urine collection for cortisol determination revealed high levels. Her ACTH level was low. On CT scan, a 3-cm mass was found in the left adrenal. When the mass was resected, it proved to be a 3-cm, smooth, yellow adrenocortical adenoma that secreted cortisol. The patient's condition normalized after surgery.
To which body system is this case related? Why? It was discovered that this patient had a tumor. Where was it located? Is it malignant? Differentiate between excision and resection. What is the diagnosis for this patient (what condition does she have)? What factors in the case study led you to this conclusion?