Cushing's Syndrome

Treatments

The goal to treating Cushing’s syndrome is to remove, block, or minimize the body’s exposure to excess cortisol. The type(s) of treatment depends on the cause. If the source is a single benign adrenal tumor or is due to hyperplasia in one adrenal gland, then the affected gland may be surgically removed. In many cases, this will reduce cortisol to normal or near normal levels, but the patient may need supplementary medications for awhile because cortisol production in the remaining adrenal gland may have been essentially shut down in response to the overproduction by the other gland and will take some time to become fully functional.

If the cause is due to an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor, then removal of the tumor will often resolve the excess cortisol. If removal is not possible, then radiation therapy may be given. If the cause is an ectopic ACTH-producing tumor(s), then surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy may be necessary.

If Cushing’s syndrome is due to corticosteroid use, then patients should work with their doctor to minimize the dosage required. It is important that patients never abruptly stop taking these medications; dosages must be changed slowly. Patients should consult with their doctors and, when indicated, with a specialist in the endocrine system - an endocrinologist - to find the treatment that is right for them.