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Cancer and ectopic hormones


W.P.U. Jackson

Abstract

Tumours of non-endocrine organs may cause endocrine syndromes through the production of 'ectopic' hormones. Ectopic corticotrophin was probably responsible for the first published cases, and the clinical condition related to this hormone is described. It can be mimicked by ectopically-produced corticotrophin-releasing hormone. Tumorous hypercalcaemia is usually caused by an ectopic parathyroid hormone-like substance, while inappropriate antidiuresis may be due to an ectopic antidiuretic hormone. Hyperthyroidism can be induced by a thyroid-stimulating hormone derived from trophoblastic tumours, which probably differs from normal placental TSH. The possible mechanisms underlying these phenomena are 'de-repression' (most likely) and total breakdown of the genetic code in the tumour cells.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 347 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574