Cushing’s disease

Alternative Names

Treatment

Treatment involves 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, you may need cortisol replacement treatments. Radiation treatment of the pituitary gland may also be used.

If the tumor does not respond to surgery or radiation, you may get medications to stop your body from making cortisol.

If these treatments are not successful, the adrenal glands may need to be removed to stop the high levels of cortisol from being produced.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

Possible Complications

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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

If you have had a pituitary tumor removed, call if you have signs of complications, including signs that the tumor has returned.

References

5. Stewart PM. The Adrenal Cortex. In: Kronenberg: Willliams Textbook of Endocrinology. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 14.