University of Central Florida (UCF) HSC4558 Pathophysiology II Final Practice Exam

The treatment approach for adrenal tumors associated with Cushing syndrome primarily focuses on surgical intervention to remove the tumor, making mass reduction surgery the most appropriate answer. In cases of Cushing syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor, the excess production of cortisol leads to various detrimental health effects. The primary goal of treatment is to normalize cortisol levels, which can be effectively achieved through surgical resection of the tumor.

Surgery can alleviate the symptoms and complications of hypercortisolism, such as hypertension, diabetes, and increases in infection risk. Successfully removing the tumor often leads to significant improvements in the patient's overall health and reduces mortality associated with the syndrome. While other treatment modalities such as radiation therapy may be considered in specific cases (for example, if surgery is not feasible), they are not the primary or most effective approach for adrenal tumors causing Cushing syndrome.

Regular monitoring might be part of a long-term management strategy after surgery, but it is not a standalone treatment for the tumors themselves. Increasing corticosteroid dosage would exacerbate the very condition that is causing the syndrome. Therefore, surgical intervention is the cornerstone of treatment for adrenal tumors in the context of Cushing syndrome.