Why Does Lung Cancer Cause SIADH?
… Continued …
The production of ADH-like hormone
Again, anti-diuretic hormones are essential and required by the body. It is important to help retain fluid when you have lost lots of water or dehydration.
But the problem comes when more ADH released into the blood when the body doesn’t really need it. And certain lung cancer can also release ADH-like hormone, causing the imbalance of fluid in the body.
Lung cancer with brain metastasis
Brain is one of common distant organs for metastasis of lung cancer. Cancer cells that have spread to the brain can cause new cancer growth called secondary brain cancer.
And any cancer in the brain has greater chance to also affect hypothalamus and pituitary gland, causing the abnormal production of ADH.
In addition, lung cancer can also cause secondary cancer in the liver, bones, some lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. And if it has spread, it is more difficult to treat!
Side effects of some cancer treatments
While lung cancer itself can trigger the production of ADH-like hormone, some cancer treatments may also contribute to cause syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These include some types of chemotherapy.
There are 3 possible ways of how lung cancer can cause SIADH; the cancer can release ADH-like hormone, secondary brain cancer (if lung cancer has spread to the brain), and the side effect of certain cancer treatments.
Diagnosis
The cause of SIADH is not always easy to find. Several tests are required. These usually include neurological and physical exams.
Sometimes blood chemistry tests are also required to look for abnormal levels of uric acid, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, or sodium in the blood.
In people with SIADH, the level of sodium in the urine is usually higher than normal. Therefore, urine tests may be suggested. Some imaging tests (such as CT-scan or chest x-ray) may also be necessary.
Treatment options for SIADH due to lung cancer
The cause of the problem is the key, that’s why doctors need to find it clearly. If lung cancer or its metastasis does have a role in causing the problem, surgical treatment can be suggested to remove the cancer.
If surgery doesn’t work, other treatments are available to help control and kill the cancer. The treatment options for lung cancer are usually dependent on the stage of the cancer.
If the problem occurs due to particular cancer treatment, doctor can stop this treatment and switch to another treatment.
Other variables associated with SIADH should be closely monitored, too. These include the kidney function, neurological symptoms, and the level of sodium.
If necessary, doctor may also prescribe medications to help restore the normal level of sodium such as lithium and tolvaptan. In severe case, intravenous infusion containing salt water or saline may also be given.
- http://www.abpischools.org.uk/page/modules/homeostasis_kidneys/kidneys6.cfm?coSiteNavigation_allTopic=1
- http://radiopaedia.org/articles/syndrome-of-inappropriate-antidiuretic-hormone-secretion
- http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=syndrome-of-inappropriate-antidiuretic-hormone-secretion-siadh-90-P01974
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P01974
- http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/managing-side-effects/syndrome-of-inappropriate-antidiuretic-hormone/?region=on
When I had COVID for 5 1/2 weeks in April-May 2020, I lost 33 pounds. I was in my apartment alone during that time and only drank water and used a bedside commode and cleaned it when I was conscious. Slept loads. I have a full page in my medical alert devoted to long haul COVID symptoms. I have had lymphedema in both legs and feet for lots of years and don’t remember changing wraps, etc. during that 5 1/2 weeks. But recently I have noticed that from my shins to my ankles, I balloon which I’ve previously not done.
Before COVID, I weighed 258. At present 8/31/22, I weight in 180’s. My Gastro PA sent me for a stomach CT and chest x-ray on 8/24/22. As of right now, I know that there is an abnormality to my right hilum. Scheduling has been delayed in getting the chest CT done because the PA has asked for it with and without contrast, which cannot be done and if she chooses contrast then the specifics for that need to be ironed out. At this rate I could be dead before we know what is totally going on. I have still not gotten results of the stomach CT. I’m eating once a day and try to make nutrition count, most of the time. One day last week, I couldn’t take in enough dairy products, protein. One day I ate anything and everything, which doesn’t happen often. Doesn’t matter what my intake of sugar is, but try to take it in form of ice cream/yogurt, etc. When I don’t feel I’ve had enough veggies, I drink a 11/5 oz. can of low-sodium V8. I’m a 75-year-old, Vietnam Vet, subjected to Agent Orange for 3 1/2 years. I’ve been knocked out for surgeries and surgical procedures over 70 times and I’m a musculoskeletal train wreck. L3, L4, L5 have been fused. I’m sure all of this has relativity to many incidents and exposures in my life. I smoked off/on from age 19 until 11 years ago when I quit. Was raised in secondhand smoke. I ramble on and on but nothing is happening but concern on my part. Thanks for listening.