Elevated levels of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, are most notably associated with certain cancers that produce the hormone ectopically (outside of its usual production site). This can lead to a condition called Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH), where the body retains too much water.
Cancers Linked to Elevated ADH
Several types of cancer are known to produce ADH, resulting in elevated levels of the hormone in the body. These include:
| Cancer Type | Description / Notes |
|---|---|
| Small cell lung cancer | A highly aggressive form of lung cancer, frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes like SIADH. |
| Non–small cell lung cancer | A broader category of lung cancers, which can also, though less commonly than SCLC, lead to elevated ADH. |
| Mesothelioma | A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, often linked to asbestos exposure. |
| Pancreatic cancer | Cancer originating in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes for digestion and hormones. |
| Neuroendocrine tumours | Tumours that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormone-producing) and nervous systems, found in various organs. |
| Thymoma | A type of thymus cancer that develops in the thymus gland, located in the chest behind the breastbone. |
| Primary brain tumours | Cancers that originate in the brain tissue itself, rather than spreading from other parts of the body. |
| Head and neck cancers | A group of cancers that start in the head or neck region, including those of the mouth, throat, voice box, and nasal cavity. |
These cancers can cause an increase in ADH production, which in turn affects the body's fluid balance, leading to potential complications such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). Recognizing this association is crucial for diagnosis and management in affected individuals.
