Alternative Names & Classifications:
Ectopic ACTH Syndrome (CLINICAL)
Description
In Ectopic ACTH Syndrome, a malignant tumor located outside the pituitary gland—most commonly small cell lung cancer or a bronchial carcinoid—acquires the abnormal ability to synthesize and secrete massive amounts of ACTH. This unregulated flood of ACTH ruthlessly drives the adrenal glands to overproduce toxic levels of cortisol. Because malignant tumors grow rapidly, the onset of symptoms is usually explosive and much more severe than classic pituitary Cushing's disease.