PARA-NEOPLASTIC ENDOCRINOPATHIES ASSOCIATED WITH RENAL TUMORS

Ectopic or inappropriate secretion of specific hormones by tumors of renal origin has been demonstrated. With the development of more precise methods of assay it is not unreasonable to expect future demonstration of yet to be identified ectopic hormonal secretions by renal tumors. It certainly is possible that hormone production by these tumors is more common than has been expected but that secretions in physiological quantities are rare. Identification and elucidation of these paraneoplastic endocrinopathies may prove valuable in the detection of undiagnosed renal tumors. Paraneoplastic endocrinopathies in the presence of metastatic renal tumors may be an indication for nephrectomy, in hopes of inducing a regression of these associated syndromes. Since renal tumors have demonstrated one of the highest incidences of associated paraneoplastic endocrinopathies all patients presenting with a renal mass should be examined for evidence of these syndromes.