Ectopic ACTH-, beta-LPH- and beta-endorphin-producing metastatic carcinoma of the lung from the tonsil

A rare case of metastatic lung cancer from the tonsil associated with ectopic ACTH, beta-LPH and beta-endorphin production was presented. A year ater the tonsillectomy and lymphadenectomy, the patient had metastatic lung cancer. Three years later he died. Brown pigmentation remained evident for a month before his death. Both ACTH and cortisol levels were high in the plasma. ACTH, beta-LPH and beta-endorphin were found in the tissue extracts (squamous cell carcinoma).