ectopic hormone syndrome
Clinical condition caused by inappropriate hormone secretion from non-endocrine tumors or tissues outside normal endocrine glands.
Full Definition
Ectopic hormone syndrome occurs when tumors arising from non-endocrine tissues acquire the ability to synthesize and secrete hormones normally produced by specialized endocrine glands. This phenomenon is most commonly observed with neuroendocrine tumors but can also occur with other malignancies that undergo neuroendocrine differentiation. The syndrome results from the aberrant expression of genes encoding hormone precursors and processing enzymes in cells that normally do not produce these substances. Common examples include ectopic ACTH syndrome from lung tumors and ectopic antidiuretic hormone secretion from various malignancies. The clinical manifestations depend on the specific hormone produced and may dominate the clinical picture, sometimes preceding tumor diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Specify both the hormone involved and the primary tumor site when describing specific cases.
In Context
- "The patient's severe hyponatremia was attributed to ectopic hormone syndrome caused by inappropriate ADH secretion from a bronchial carcinoid." — clinical case report
- "Octreotide therapy was initiated to control the ectopic hormone syndrome in the patient with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor." — treatment plan