Aberrant hormone activity by tumors of gynecologic importance

Increasing numbers of endocrine active tumors are being reported. The production of hormonal substances not generally associated with the tissues involved may directly or indirectly concern the gynecologist. Identification of these occurrences may be important in the diagnosis of occult neoplasms or obscure tumor effects. In addition, observation of the level of aberrant hormone secretion may be important therapeutic and prognostic measure. Detection may result from the investigation of apparent inappropriate and endocrine syndromes or routine screening in cases of known tumors. Proof of the actual production of hormone by the tumors and complete identification of the material in question generally requires extensive biologic, chemical, physical, and immunologic investigation. The most likely mechanisms for aberrant hormone production by tumors are derepression of the genome or the occurrence of chance biosynthetic anomalies coincident with neoplastic nuclear alterations. Endocrine active substances of interest to the gynecologist produced under these circumstances include gonadotropin, lactogens, thyrotropins, and adrenocortico-tropin, as well as calcium-mobilizing and erythropoietic substances.