A 63-year-old Caucasian female presents for a routine check-up. During her physical exam, you note some unusual changes. In addition to her elevated blood pressure, she appears to have gained a...

A 63-year-old Caucasian female presents for a routine check-up. During her physical exam, you note some unusual changes. In addition to her elevated blood pressure, she appears to have gained a significant amount of weight around her abdomen; prominent purple striae on the abdomen are also observed. You further note hirsutism, ruddy cheeks, and a pad of fat on the back of her neck and over her clavicles. Her chest X-ray reveals a centralized mass in the lower left lobe. What is the cause of her symptoms?

A. Pressure of the expanding tumor mass on nearby tissue

B. Infection or bleeding from ulceration of surfaces

C. Generalized wasting

D. Production of hormones or other molecules that affect distant organs