What can be done for Ectopic ACTH producing tumors?
Ectopic ACTH producing tumors are usually malignant (cancer). Removing this cancer or treating it with radiation or chemotherapy may help in improving the Cushing’s Syndrome. If the tumor is benign, or it can be completely removed, surgery may be a cure. Most of the time, reduction of the cortisol production from the adrenals with medications such as metyrapone, amino-glutethimide or ketoconazole is useful while the ACTH-producing tumor is treated. Written by: Paul Margulies, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E. Medical Director of NADF Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Cornell University Medical College and posted at http://www.medhelp.org/www/nadf4.