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Ectopic Cushing syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Cushing syndrome - ectopic

Treatment:

The best treatment for ectopic Cushing syndrome is surgical removal of the tumor. This is usually possible when the tumor is benign (noncancerous).

But many times, the tumor is cancerous and has spread to other areas of the body before the problem with cortisol production has been discovered. Surgery may not be possible in these situations. In this case, drugs to block cortisol production may be given.

Expectations (prognosis):

Surgery to remove the tumor may lead to full recovery, but there is a chance that the the tumor will come back.

Complications:

• The tumor may spread or return after surgery
• High cortisol levels may continue

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of Cushing syndrome appear.

• Review Date: 1/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, 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.

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