Ectopic Hormone Production by Tumours

1980 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. Bewsher

The ectopic production of hormones by tumours is important to appreciate as relevant endocrine features may antedate the appearance of other evidence of the tumour. This possibility should be borne in mind particularly when considering Cushing's syndrome, excessive ADH production or hypercalcaemia and could result in many instances in a quite different approach to further investigation and management. Carcinoma of lung is the commonest underlying neoplasm in several such situations but there are some, such as the hypoglycaemic syndromes, in which the tumour may even be benign.

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 394-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhad Zangeneh, MD ◽  
William F. Young, JR., MD ◽  
Ricardo V. Lloyd, MD ◽  
Myra Chiang, MD ◽  
Elizabeth Kurczynski, MD ◽  
...  

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-232
Author(s):  
Ambika R. Babu, MD ◽  
Arcot A. Dwarakanathan, MD, FACE

2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 1452-1462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia L. Mazzuco ◽  
Michaël Thomas ◽  
Monique Martinie ◽  
Nadia Cherradi ◽  
Nathalie Sturm ◽  
...  

Cushing's syndrome due to ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) can be associated with abnormal responses of aberrantly expressed adrenocortical receptors. This study aimed to characterize in vitro the pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in a b-blocker-sensitive Cushing's syndrome due to AIMAH. Cortisol secretion profile under aberrant receptors stimulation revealed hyperresponsiveness to salbutamol (beta2-adrenoceptor agonist), cisapride (5-HT4 receptor agonist), and vasopressin in AIMAH cultured cells, but not in normal adrenocortical cells. By RT-PCR, AIMAH tissues revealed beta2-adrenoceptor overexpression rather than ectopical expression. MC2R expression was similar in both AIMAH and normal adrenocortical tissues. Curiously, cortisol levels of AIMAH cells under basal condition were 15-fold higher than those of control cells and were not responsive to ACTH. Analysis of culture medium from AIMAH cells could detect the presence of ACTH, which was immunohistochemically confirmed. Finally, the present study of AIMAH cells has identified: a) cortisol hyperresponsiveness to catecholamines, 5-HT4 and vasopressin in vitro, in agreement with clinical screening tests; b) abnormal expression of beta2-adrenoceptors in some areas of the hyperplastic adrenal tissue; c) autocrine loop of ACTH production. Altogether, the demonstration of aberrant responses to hormonal receptors and autocrine hormone production in the same tissue supports the assumption of multiple molecular alterations in adrenal macronodular hyperplasia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-47
Author(s):  
Diana Hodorowicz-Zaniewska ◽  
Karolina Brzuszkiewicz ◽  
Joanna Szpor

Introduction: Endocrine and metabolic paraneoplastic syndromes in the course of malignant tumours result from ectopic production of hormones or hormone precursors in tumour cells. Production of hormones by endocrine tumours is relatively frequent, while such production by adenocarcinoma cells is definitely rare. The study presents a case of triple negative invasive breast cancer, with ectopic secretion of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone), which provokes serious metabolic disorders. Materials and methods: The patient was admitted to hospital with symptoms of Cushing`s syndrome. Diagnostic tests revealed that a cause of metabolic disorders was breast cancer. After proper preparation the patient was qualified for surgery. Results: After mastectomy the patient’s metabolism stabilised. The patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotheraphy. 4 months after the last cycle of systemic treatment, cancer dissemination was found. The patient was treated with second-line chemotherapy, however control CT revealed progression. The patient died 20 months after surgery and two months after the last cycle of chemotherapy. Conclusions: The case reported in this study – triple negative invasive breast cancer, responsible for ectopic production of ACTH and causing Cushing’s syndrome – is a rare phenomenon. Treatment of patients with breast cancer showing hormonal activity should not differ from general rules applied for breast cancer. However due to accompanying metabolic disturbances, the patients need individualised oncological approach, precise diagnostic tests and adequate preoperative preparation.


1985 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOSEPH L. BELSKY ◽  
BEATRIZ CUELLO ◽  
L. W. SWANSON ◽  
DONNA M. SIMMONS ◽  
ROBERT M. JARRETT ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily G. Lefkowitz ◽  
Jack P. Cossman ◽  
John B. Fournier

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that comprises a large group of signs and symptoms resulting from chronic exposure to excess corticosteroids. Most cases of Cushing’s syndrome are due to increased adrenocorticotropic hormone production from a pituitary adenoma, which is referred to as Cushing’s disease. Most of the signs and symptoms are nonspecific and common in the general population, making a diagnosis often challenging. However, several dermatological manifestations, such as fragile skin, easy bruising, and reddish purple striae, are more discriminatory. Because uncontrolled Cushing’s syndrome of any etiology is associated with substantial morbidity, including increased cardiovascular disease and mortality, it is important to make an early diagnosis. Unfortunately, median delays of 2 years to diagnosis have been reported. We report a case of a woman who had multiple dermatological findings, including facial plethora, easy bruising, violaceous striae, hirsutism, and acne, the latter 2 signs reflecting androgen excess. Of interest, our patient presented with a chief complaint of hair loss, a common complaint in the general population that occurs with a greater frequency in patients with Cushing’s disease and is attributed to androgenetic alopecia, but it is rarely the presenting symptom.


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