An ectopic hormone is a hormone produced by tumors derived from tissue that is not typically associated with its production.[1]
On the other hand, the term entopic is used to refer to hormones produced by tissue in tumors that are normally engaged in the production of that hormone.[2]
The excess hormone secretion is considered detrimental to the normal body homeostasis.[3] This hormone production typically results in a set of signs and symptoms that are called a paraneoplastic syndrome.[2]
Some clinical syndromes caused by ectopic hormone production include:
| Syndrome | Main causal cancers | Ectopic hormone | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cushing syndrome |
| Ectopic ACTH and ACTH-like substance | ||
| Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone | Ectopic Antidiuretic hormone | |||
| Hypercalcemia |
| Ectopic PTHrP (Parathyroid hormone-related protein), TGF-α, TNF, IL-1 | ||
| Hypoglycemia |
| Ectopic Insulin-like growth factor 2 | ||
| Hyperaldosteronism |
| Ectopic Aldosterone[6] |