[Combined examination of the hypophysis-adrenal cortex system in breast cancer]

A multimodality radioimmunological and clinicobiochemical study showed an increase in the hydrocortisone level and a decrease in the ACTH level in breast cancer patients. Stage I, following radical mastectomy (RM). A simultaneous increase in the hydrocortisone, ACTH and aldosterone level after RM, chemotherapy, hormone therapy was noted in all patients with breast cancer, Stages II and III, with initially lowered hydrocortisone and aldosterone levels and an elevated ACTH level. After RM and radiotherapy the level of hydrocortisone decreased, that of ACTH and aldosterone and renin activity increased. Scintigraphically in Stage I breast cancer the adrenals were enlarged, after RM in some cases they remained enlarged, in other cases they returned to normal. Enlarged adrenals with a lowered contrast and enhanced obscurity of the contours were observed in Stage II and III breast cancer. After therapy the adrenals remained asymmetrical with a low contrast.