Lung cancer is the abnormal growth of tissue in the lungs. When cancer originates in the lungs, it can spread to other organs of the body; the spread of lung cancer to the adrenal glands, for example, may result in electrolyte disturbances. Squamous cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancers are cancers of the lungs that release substances, which cause electrolyte and fluid imbalances.
Lung Cancer Metastasis and Adrenal Insufficiency
The adrenal glands, or suprarenal glands, release aldosterone, which acts in the kidneys; aldosterone stimulates the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and increase the excretion of potassium. Aldosterone is normally released due to low sodium or high potassium concentration in the blood. When lung cancer spreads to the adrenal glands, it disrupts the normal architecture and function of the gland; as a result, the response of adrenal glands to low blood sodium is inadequate.
Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
This type of lung cancer commonly develops from the bronchus -- a branch of the main airway to the lungs, and with further growth, this cancer invades the lungs; it releases PTHrP, a protein that behaves like the parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid hormone is released by the parathyroid glands; they promote the increased breakdown of bone to release calcium into the blood. Increase PTHrP release from squamous cell cancer of the lungs, results in hypercalcemia, or high blood calcium.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer is the most aggressive type of lung cancer; It commonly originates within the lungs. The cancer releases antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, which acts in the kidneys. ADH is normally released when blood volume is low, but with small cell lung cancer, ADH is constantly released. The action of ADH results in the direct reabsorption of water from the kidneys. Increased water reabsorption from the kidneys results in water retention.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to fight lung cancer. Virtually all lung cancers result from ingested carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents via smoking. Avoiding smoking, greatly reduces the risks for developing lung cancer. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," the risk for developing lung cancer is increased 13-fold in a person that actively smokes. Second-hand smoking is also associated with increased risk of lung cancer but is less of a risk factor in comparison to active smoking.
References
- Medline Plus; SIADH; Nov. 23, 2009
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Unusual Presentations of Lung Cancer; Ekaphop Sirachainan; 2002
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis L. Kasper M.D., et al.; 2005
