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Is there a cure for Cushing syndrome?

Untreated Cushing syndrome can be life-threatening. Fortunately, most people with the syndrome are treated and cured.1

However, after successful treatment of the syndrome, some health problems may continue. For instance, your bones may continue to be weak. People who no longer have Cushing syndrome may be more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.1

People whose Cushing syndrome was caused by a tumor need to have regular checkups for the rest of their lives to check for additional tumors. For many adults with Cushing disease (the term used for Cushing syndrome caused by a pituitary adenoma), surgical removal of the tumor is successful. In rare cases, some of the tumor cells are left and the adenoma can grow back.1

Citations

  1. Nieman, L. K., Biller, B. M. K., Findling, J. W., Murad, M. H., Newell-Price, J., Savage, M. O., & Tabarin, A. (2015). Treatment of Cushing’s syndrome: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(8), 2807–2831. Retrieved March 3, 2017, from https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/100/8/2807/2836065 
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