Cushing’s disease

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Endocrine glands

Striae in the popliteal fossa

Striae on the leg

Pituitary Cushing's disease

Treatment is surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, if possible. After surgery, the pituitary may slowly start to work again and return to normal.

During the recovery process, cortisol replacement treatments may be necessary. Radiation treatment of the pituitary gland may also be used.

If the tumor does not respond to surgery or radiation, medications to stop the body from making cortisol are given.

Untreated, Cushing's disease can cause severe illness, even death. Removal of the tumor may lead to full recovery, but the tumor can grow back.

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Infections
• Compression fractures
• Kidney stones
• Psychosis

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of pituitary Cushing's.

If you have had a pituitary tumor removed, call if signs of complications occur, including signs of recurrence (return) of the tumor.

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.