Cushing's disease, also known as hypercortisolism, occurs when the body is overexposed to the hormone cortisol. It is a rare condition that mostly affects affects adults aged 20 to 50. Cortisol is produced when corticotropin-releasing hormone produced by the hypothalamus gland tells the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropin hormone which then stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Although the body may contain too much cortisol for a number of reasons, Cushing's disease is usually caused by a tumor of either the pituitary or adrenal glands. The symptoms of Cushing's disease vary, but people suffering fom the condition often have excess fat around the neck and torso though they may be slim elsewhere.
Surgery
When Cushing's disease is caused by a pituitary tumor, a doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery is performed by inserting a microscope and small surgical instruments through a nostril or an incision below the upper lip in order to reach the pituitary gland and remove the tumor. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, this type of surgery has an 80 percent success rate when performed by an experienced surgeon. Surgery is also used to treat Cushing's disease caused by benign and cancerous tumors of the adrenal glands. In this case it may be necessary to remove the adrenal glands.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may also be used to treat Cushing's disease caused by tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands. However, according to the Cushing's Support & Research Foundation, it can take many years for radiation treatment to be effective, although this may depend on the type of tumor. Because radiation is not a fast-acting remedy, it is usually used only in patients who have not already responded to surgery.
Drug Therapy
Another option for treating Cushing's disease caused by a tumor of the pituitary or adrenal glands is to undergo chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs designed to destroy cancerous cells. Also, medicines may be used to block the production and effects of cortisol known as cortisol-inhibiting drugs. These include mitotane, ketoconazole and metyrapone. In some cases, cortisol is over-produced as a result of long-term use of steroid drugs such as prednisolone, in which case a doctor may suggest a patient who has developed Cushing's disease in this way to stop taking steroids.
