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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > E > Ectopic Cushing's syndrome

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Cushing's syndrome - ectopic

Treatment

The best treatment for Cushing's syndrome that is due to an ectopic ACTH secreting tumor is surgical removal of the tumor. In benign tumors, such as thymomas, or pheochromocytomas, this is usually possible.

However, many tumors are malignant (growing worse and resisting treatment), and have metastasized (spread to other areas) before cortisol excess has been diagnosed, and resection is not possible. Drugs to suppress cortisol secretion may be given in such situations. The drugs include: ketoconazole, aminoglutethimide, or metyrapone.

Prognosis

Tumor resection may lead to full recovery, but there is a chance of tumor recurrence. Survival for people with ectopic tumors depends upon the outcome associated with the particular tumor type.

Complications

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

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

Ency. home > Disease > E > Ectopic Cushing's syndrome

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