Multiplicity of hormone-secreting tumors: common themes about cause, expression, and management.

CONTEXT: Multiplicity of hormone-secreting tumors occurs in a substantial portion of hormone-excess states. Multiplicity increases the difficulty of management and drives the selection of special strategies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This is a synthesis from publications about tumor development and expression, and also about types of clinical strategy for hormone-secreting tumors. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Comparisons were made between patient groups with solitary tumors vs those with multiple tumors. Major themes with clinical relevance emerged. Usually, tumor multiplicity develops from a genetic susceptibility in all cells of a tissue. This applies to hormone-secreting tumors that begin as either polyclonal (such as in the parathyroids of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia) or monoclonal tumors (such as in the parathyroids of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 [MEN1]). High penetrance of a hereditary tumor frequently results in bilaterality and in several other types of multiplicity. Managements are better for the hormone excess than for the associated cancers. Management strategies can be categorized broadly as ablation that is total, subtotal, or zero. Examples are discussed for each category, and 1 example of each category is named here: 1) total ablation of the entire tissue with effort to replace ablated functions (for example, in C-cell neoplasia of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2); 2) subtotal ablation with increased likelihood of persistent disease or recurrent disease (for example, in the parathyroid tumors of MEN1); or 3) no ablation of tissue with or without the use of pharmacotherapy (for example, with blockers for secretion of stomach acid in gastrinomas of MEN1). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor multiplicity usually arises from defects in all cells of the precursor tissue. Even the optimized managements involve compromises. Still, an understanding of pathophysiology and of therapeutic options should guide optimized management.

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer associated with acromegaly.

The aim of the study was to screen the malignancy in an acromegalic patient group and to determine whether there was any increased risk and the incidence of malignancy and its association with disease characteristics such as duration of disease, latency in diagnosis, and GH and IGF-1 levels. One hundred-five (65 female, 40 male) patients with acromegaly followed and treated at Cerrahpasa Medical School, Endocrinology and Metabolism outpatient clinic between 1983 and 2007 were included in this study. The patients were screened with colonoscopy, mammography, and thyroid and prostate ultrasonography (US). Malignancy was detected in 16 (15%) patients. Thyroid cancer was found in 5 patients (4.7%), breast cancer in 3 (2.8%), colon cancer in 2 (1.9%), lung cancer in 2 (1.9%), cervix cancer in 1 (0.9%), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 1 (0.9%), cholangiocarcinoma in 1 (0.9%), and multiple endocrine neoplasm (MEN) type 1 in 1 patient (0.9%). Cancer was more common in the male patients (P = 0.046) and high levels of GH increased the risk of cancer development (P = 0.046). In this series, the most commonly detected cancer types were thyroid followed by breast and colon cancers. Although high levels of initial GH seemed to increase the risk of cancer development in acromegalic patients, age, gender, age at the time of diagnosis, duration of disease, and initial IGF-I levels were not associated with cancer development.

What is the link between nonlocalizing sestamibi scans, multigland disease, and persistent hypercalcemia? A study of 401 consecutive patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that nonlocalizing sestamibi scans would correlate with multigland disease and persistent primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: We reviewed records for 401 consecutive patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from 1999 to 2004. Gender, age, preoperative imaging, surgical findings, gland weight and volume, and 6-month calcium levels (Ca) were examined. RESULTS: We identified 289 women and 112 men, 297 of whom had a preoperative sestamibi scan localized to a single gland (localized group; LG). Ninety-six percent of the LG were found to have single-gland disease, and 4% had multigland disease (MGD). In the nonlocalized group (NLG), 76% had single-gland disease and 24% MGD. Mean gland weight was greater in the LG than in the NLG (1128 mg vs 699 mg; P < .05). Mean gland volume was larger in the LG (1.34 cc vs 0.89 cc; P < .05). A localizing sestamibi scan had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96% and a likelihood ratio of 2.29 for predicting "curative" intraoperative parathyroid hormone drop after removal of a single abnormal gland. Patients were stratified into normocalcemic (NCa) and hypercalcemic (HCa) groups based on 6-month postoperative serum calcium data (n = 328). HCa incidence at 6 months did not differ significantly between the LG (5%) and NLG (3%). A localizing scan had a PPV of 95% for normocalcemia at 6 months. A nonlocalizing scan had a PPV of 21% for HCa at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Nonlocalizing sestamibi scans were more common in primary hyperparathyroidism with MGD and were associated with smaller-volume abnormal glands found at operation. Preoperative sestamibi scan-results did not predict HCa at 6 months.

Neuroendocrine tumours.

Neuroendocrine tumours are a heterogeneous group including, for example, carcinoid, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, pituitary tumours, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and phaeochromocytomas. They have attracted much attention in recent years, both because they are relatively easy to palliate and because they have indicated the chronic effect of the particular hormone elevated. As neuroendocrine phenotypes became better understood, the definition of neuroendocrine cells changed and is now accepted as referring to cells with neurotransmitter, neuromodulator or neuropeptide hormone production, dense-core secretory granules, and the absence of axons and synapses. Neuroendocrine markers, particularly chromogranin A, are invaluable diagnostically. Study of several neuroendocrine tumours has revealed a genetic etiology, and techniques such as genetic screening have allowed risk stratification and prevention of morbidity in patients carrying the particular mutation. Pharmacological therapy for these often slow-growing tumours, e.g. with somatostatin analogues, has dramatically improved symptom control, and radiolabelled somatostatin analogues offer targeted therapy for metastatic or inoperable disease. In this review, the diagnosis and management of patients with carcinoid, gut neuroendocrine tumours, multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2, and isolated phaeochromocytoma are evaluated.

Mechanisms for pituitary tumorigenesis: the plastic pituitary.

The anterior pituitary gland integrates the repertoire of hormonal signals controlling thyroid, adrenal, reproductive, and growth functions. The gland responds to complex central and peripheral signals by trophic hormone secretion and by undergoing reversible plastic changes in cell growth leading to hyperplasia, involution, or benign adenomas arising from functional pituitary cells. Discussed herein are the mechanisms underlying hereditary pituitary hypoplasia, reversible pituitary hyperplasia, excess hormone production, and tumor initiation and promotion associated with normal and abnormal pituitary differentiation in health and disease.

Familial and second gastric carcinomas: a nationwide epidemiologic study from Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Familial risks in gastric carcinoma have been assessed mainly through case-control studies based on reported but not medically verified carcinomas in family members. Reliable data on familial risks are needed for prevention and clinical decisions. METHODS: The authors used the nationwide Swedish Family-Cancer Database on 10.2 million individuals and more than 34,000 gastric carcinomas to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for gastric carcinoma in offspring, from birth to 66 years old, by carcinomas in family members. In addition, SIRs for second gastric carcinomas were analyzed. RESULTS: Standardized incidence ratios for gastric carcinoma were 1.31 (95% CI, 0.97-1.70) and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.08-1.92) when a parent presented with gastric carcinoma or gastric adenocarcinoma, respectively. The risk was 1.59 (95% CI, 1.10-2.16) in offspring whose diagnosis was at ages older than 50 years. Offspring risk from parental corpus carcinoma was of borderline significance whereas that from cardia carcinoma was below unity. The sibling risk for gastric carcinoma was 3.16 (95% CI, 1.35-5.72) and 5.75 (95% CI, 2.07-11.26) when diagnosed before age 50. The population attributable proportion of familial gastric carcinoma was 0.45%. Risks for second gastric carcinomas were increased in men and women after esophageal and skin carcinomas, and after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that environmental factors, perhaps Helicobacter pylori infections are the main reason for familial clustering of gastric carcinoma. The population attributable proportion of familial gastric carcinoma is much lower than that cited in the literature. The patterns of multiple carcinomas suggest that immunologic factors modulate susceptibility to gastric carcinoma.

[The molecular genetics of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and 2B].

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A (MEN 2A) and type 2B (MEN 2B) are dominantly inherited with a predisposition to endocrine tumors. The responsible genes for MEN 2A and 2B have recently been localized to chromosome 10q 11.2 by genetic and physical mapping. The DNA segment encompasses the RET proto-oncogene. This is a receptor tyrosine kinase gene, which is expressed in medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. Point mutations in the cysteine-rich domain of the RET were demonstrated in patients with MEN 2A. The cosegregation of these mutations and disease in MEN 2A families indicates that they possess a predisposition endocrine organs to develop into tumors. Biological assessment of the mutant forms in cell culture and transgenic mouse lines should provide further insight as to the role of the RET in the tumor development.

Experiencia de 10 años en el tratamiento quirúrgico del hiperparatiroidismo primario en el Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente / Ten-year experience in the surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in the Hospital de Especialidades del Cedntro Médico Nacional de Occidente

Se analizaron 91 expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP), que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico en el periodo comprendido de enero de 1980 a marzo de 1990. Del total de pacientes, 17 fueron hombres (18 por ciento) y 74 mujeres (82 por ciento) con una relación H/M de 1 a 4. Las edades extremas fueron de 17 a 72 años con una media de 47.1. La sintomatología que con mayor frecuencia se observó fue la siguiente: litiasis renoureteral recidivanate 75 por ciento, fraturas óseas patológicas en 7.5 por ciento, mialgias y artralgias en 7.5 por cinto. A todos los pacientes se les realizó determinación de calcio y fósforo sérico, se encontró calcio por arriba de 12 mgs en 89 por ciento y fósforo bajo en 63.7 pacientes. Se realizaron un total de 91 procedimientos quirúrgicos, cinco de ellos requirieron re-intervención por permanecer con el calcio sérico elevado. El resultado histopatológico de las piezas resecadas fue de adenoma en 93 por ciento de los enfermos, hiperplasia en 4.2 por ciento y carcinoma en 2.8 por ciento; la localización más frecuente de los adenomas encontrados fue en la glándula inferior izquierda (34.8 por ciento, seguida de la inferior derecha (30.3 por ciento). Las complicaciones registradas en el post-operatorio fueron: hipocalcemia transitoria en 6 pacientes y lesion del nervo laringeo recurrente en uno. La mortalidad operatoria fue de cero.

Feocromocitotoma bilateral maligno como componentes de adenomatosis endocrina multiple tipo II-A: presentacion de un caso y revision de la literatura / Bilateral malignant pheochromocytoma as component of multiple endocrine adenmatosis type II-A: presentation of a case and review of the literature

Se presenta el caso de un joven de 25 anos hospitalizado por un cuadro de hipertension arterial sistemica severa acompanado de bocio multinodular, a quien se le diagnostico adenomatosis endocrina multiple tipo II-A (AEM II-A). Se comprobo la presencia de feocromocitoma bilateral metastasico al encontrarse niveles elevados de acido venilmandelico en orina, dos masas suprarrenales bilaterales y una masa tumoral hepatica en el estudio tomografico de abdomen. En forma similar se evidenciaron nodulos hipocaptantes en tiroides, demostrandose que correspondian a un carcinoma medular de tiroides al realizar el estudio histopatologico. se logro el control de las cifras tensionales con la administracion de prazosin (12 mg/da) y labetalol (600 mg/dia) en el periodo preoperatorio, practicandose posteriormente la adrenalectomia subtotal bilateral y tiroidectomia total. En su evolucion postoperatoria el paciente presento episodios de hemorragia digestiva superior masiva debidos a multiples ulceras del tracto gastrointestinal, que ameritaron realizar una gastrectomia total para el control de la hemorragia. Se hace revision de la literatura con referencia particular al diagnostico y manejo del feocromocitoma maligno

Neuroendocrine carcinoma in a patient with hairy cell leukemia: a case report.

Second malignancies are common in hairy cell leukemia. We report a case of a neuroendocrine carcinoma arising in a patient who had been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia 6 years earlier. This case is the first report of these two tumors' occurring together. The pathogenetic basis for the presence of these two uncommon tumors in our patient is discussed.

Benign and malignant tumors in patients with acromegaly.

Growth hormone and its principal mediator insulinlike growth factor I are known promoters of normal growth. To determine whether excessive secretion of growth hormone is associated with an increased occurrence of benign and of malignant tumors, we studied records of 87 patients with acromegaly seen in the Lahey Clinic Medical Center (Burlington, Mass) from 1957 to 1988 and compared the rate of tumor occurrence with a control group of patients with pituitary tumors (198) and with findings from a cancer registry. Patients with acromegaly had a 2.45-fold increased rate of malignant tumors (95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 5.04) compared with findings from the tumor registry. Female patients had a higher rate than male patients. The rate of carcinoma of the thyroid was excessive and previously underscribed, but the rate of carcinoma of the colon was not increased as reported by others. Among benign lesions, goiters, predominantly nodular, were seen in 25% of patients in addition to a large number of mesenchymal lesions.

[Environment and genetics of endocrine polyoncoses. An aging bull model]. / Environnement et génétique des polyoncoses endocriniennes. Un modèle: "le taureau vieillissant".

An old bull, it is said by those who know, can have his troubles. Included among these are vertebral osteosclerosis and ankylosing spondylosis--this stiffening up limite, rather than accentuates, the value and reproduction potential of a stud bull past prime. But associated with these abnormalities--and not seen in age-matched cows of comparable breeds--are fascinating endocrine neoplasms that might suggest a pattern that could be productive as a model of human hereditary endocrine abnormalities. Adjacent to the thyroid gland in other vertebrates are ultimobranchial bodies, that are incorporated into the lateral thyroid lobes in primates as the parafollicular "C-cells" of the thyroid. These are the cells in man that give rise to medullary thyroid cancer and are associated with calcitonin secretion, useful as a tumor marker. In aging bulls of whatever breed, nearly half exhibit abnormality of these ultimobranchial bodies: 20% show hyperplasia, and 30% have frank neoplasia. These ultimobranchial tumors appear in bulls passing 6 1/2 years in age, and are absent in young bulls and all cows of any age. Calcitonin can be demonstrated in the ultimobranchial tumors from bulls, and secretion is stimulated by calcium infusion, though serum calcium remains normal. The ultimobranchial tumors themselves can range from hyperplasia through adenoma to metastasizing carcinoma--in fact, representing one of the commoner cattle cancers. Parathyroid glands taken from bulls with these ultimobranchial tumors initially show evidence of inhibited secretory activity and morphologic atrophy, but later go on to develop hyperplasia and, eventually, autonomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hypercalcemia in the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia includes disorders with hyperfunction of two or more endocrine tissues. In MEN type 1, hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands causing hypercalcemia is the most common clinical presentation. In vitro, suppression of parathyroid tissue by calcium is similar, but the set-point of hyperplastic tissue is shifted as compared with normal. The gene for MEN-1 has been localized to chromosome 11 and is linked to the basic fibroblast growth factor gene. Parathyroidectomy results in a high failure rate with recurrent hyperparathyroidism or autonomous graft function in autotransplanted tissue. Family screening is recommended once every 5 years in first-degree relatives. The approach to hyperparathyroidism in MEN-2 (2A) must be individualized during surgery for medullary thyroid carcinoma. Hyperparathyroidism in MEN-3 (2B) is often associated with normal serum calcium and may not require intervention.

Simultaneous presentation of parathyroid, thyroid and parotid tumours 44 years after neck irradiation.

A case of three tumours presenting 44 years following external irradiation to the neck is reported. Whilst thyroid, parotid and parathyroid tumours are all described in this situation, the simultaneous presentation of all three has not been documented previously.