Cushing’s syndrome

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Endocrine glands

Hypercortisolism

Treatment depends upon the cause of the disorder. In Cushing's syndrome caused by drug therapy with corticosteroids, the drug dose must be slowly decreased under medical supervision.

In Cushing's disease caused by a pituitary tumor, surgery to remove the tumor is recommended. Radiation is sometimes needed as well. Hydrocortisone (cortisol) replacement therapy is needed after surgery. In some cases, life-long cortisol-replacement therapy becomes necessary.

Cushing's syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor is usually treated by surgical removal of the tumor. If the tumor cannot be removed, certain medications can suppress the secretion of cortisol.

In Cushing's syndrome caused by a tumor secreting ACTH, removal of the tumor is the best way to treat the Cushing's syndrome. Cortisol replacement therapy is needed after surgery until cortisol production resumes. In some cases, life-long therapy with cortisone drugs becomes necessary.

Tumor removal may lead to full recovery, but there is a chance of recurrence. Survival for people with ectopic tumors depends upon the overall outcome associated with the particular tumor type. Untreated, Cushing's syndrome can lead to death.

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Serious infections
• Fractures due to osteoporosis
• Kidney stones
• Enlargement of pituitary tumor

Call your health care provider if symptoms develop that indicate Cushing's syndrome.

Review Date: 01/18/2006
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, M.D., Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.