What is the primary treatment for Cushing's syndrome?

The primary treatment for Cushing's syndrome focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition, which is an excess of cortisol in the body. This often results from a tumor on the pituitary gland (Cushing's disease), an adrenal tumor, or ectopic hormone production by tumors elsewhere in the body. The most effective way to treat the condition is to remove the source of excess cortisol.

Surgery is typically the first-line treatment, especially if the Cushing's syndrome is due to a pituitary adenoma or an adrenal tumor. If surgery is not possible or if the condition is due to ectopic ACTH production, other options may include medication to control cortisol production or radiation therapy targeting the tumor. Therefore, the choice that encompasses all these possible interventions—surgery, medication, or radiation therapy—is the correct approach for managing Cushing's syndrome.

In contrast, dietary changes and exercise primarily serve as general health recommendations and do not directly address hormonal imbalances, making them insufficient as primary treatments. Hormone replacement therapy is applicable in other contexts where hormone levels are deficient, such as adrenal insufficiency, rather than in conditions characterized by hormone excess like Cushing's syndrome. Regular blood sugar monitoring might be part of managing symptoms related to Cushing