Small cell carcinoma of the lung with persistent hyponatremia.

    Your patient has small cell carcinoma of the lung with persistent hyponatremia. With this disease there is an ectopic production of a hormone and "paraneoplastic syndrome." What hormone is involved and what is paraneoplastic syndrome?

Sample Solution

   

Paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of rare disorders that occur when cancer cells produce hormones or other substances that harm the body's organs and tissues. These syndromes can cause a variety of symptoms, including hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood).

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a type of lung cancer that is known to cause a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes, including hyponatremia. The most common paraneoplastic syndrome associated with SCLC is <b>syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)</b>.

Full Answer Section

     

SIADH is a condition in which the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is a hormone that causes the kidneys to retain water. In people with SIADH, the kidneys retain too much water, which can lead to hyponatremia.

Symptoms of SIADH

Symptoms of SIADH include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Diagnosis of SIADH

SIADH is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and physical examination.

Treatment of SIADH

The treatment of SIADH depends on the underlying cause. If the SIADH is caused by SCLC, then treating the cancer is the most important step. Other treatments for SIADH include:

  • Fluid restriction
  • Medications to block the effects of ADH
  • Diuretics (medications that help the kidneys remove water from the body)

Conclusion

SIADH is a paraneoplastic syndrome that can occur in people with SCLC. SIADH is caused by the production of too much ADH, which causes the kidneys to retain water. The symptoms of SIADH include headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, fatigue, seizures, and coma. SIADH is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and physical examination. The treatment of SIADH depends on the underlying cause. If the SIADH is caused by SCLC, then treating the cancer is the most important step. Other treatments for SIADH include fluid restriction, medications to block the effects of ADH, and diuretics.

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