Cushing's Disease Treatment Options
Cushing's disease is caused by excessive cortisol levels in the body, often due to a pituitary tumor that secretes too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Effective treatment is vital as the condition is associated with increased mortality and decreased quality of life.
Primary Treatment Option
Transsphenoidal Surgery is the first-line treatment for Cushing's disease. This procedure removes the pituitary adenoma responsible for excessive ACTH secretion, leading to:
- Immediate normalization of hormone levels
- Long-term disease control
- Reversal of associated comorbidities
- Normal survival rates for cured patients
However, about half of the patients may require secondary or tertiary treatments if surgery is not fully successful.
Second-Line Treatment Options
Alternative treatments include medical therapy, which targets the disease through various medications, and bilateral adrenalectomy, which involves the removal of adrenal glands to control hypercortisolism. Radiation therapy is also an option when other treatments fail.
Choosing the right treatment involves careful consideration of the disease's severity, tumor characteristics, and patient preferences. A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists is crucial for effective management.
