Small cell carcinoma of the vagina causing Cushing’s syndrome by ectopic production and secretion of ACTH

Posted on March 5, 2012 by MaryO

Hope found this interesting info for us:

Small cell carcinoma of the vagina causing Cushing’s syndrome by ectopic production and secretion of ACTH: a case report.

K M Colleran, M R Burge, L A Crooks, R I Dorin

Department of Medicine, Albuquerque VA Medical Center and University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 87108, USA.

BACKGROUND: Small cell carcinomas of pulmonary or extrapulmonary origin are neuroendocrine tumors classically associated with ectopic hormone production, particularly ACTH secretion resulting in Cushing’s syndrome. However, ectopic Cushing’s syndrome has not previously been reported in the setting of small cell carcinoma of the vagina.

METHODS: A primary vaginal tumor with hepatic metastases was evaluated with light microscopy. Serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels were evaluated by radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay, respectively, during a standard high-dose (8 mg) overnight dexamethasone suppression test.

RESULTS: Vaginal small cell carcinoma with hepatic metastases was demonstrated. Electrolyte abnormalities, elevated cortisol and ACTH levels, and failure to suppress ACTH secretion during high-dose dexamethasone administration confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic ACTH syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: This case report establishes a clinical association between vaginal small cell carcinoma and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, confirming the neuroendocrine potential of this malignancy and features common to small cell neoplasms originating in other sites.

More information and citations here: http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:9190988

 

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Have You Had A Cushing’s Recurrence? Please Help with This Video Project!

Posted on March 5, 2012 by MaryO

Trisha writes: 

Working on a new video with Beth G. as my partner. With Corlum now thrown in the mix, we want to compare the best treatment options for recurring cushings. We want to hear from you about weather you are glad you had a BLA? if you could do it over again, would you? If you had meds available, did you try them first? What challanges do you have on a regular basis because of BLA? Why would you not want a BLA? What do you hope to get out of having a BLA?

We are not looking for the medical side, just the human side. If you would like to participate, message both Beth and myself on the same message. If you have a webcam, we would like to include video into the video and set up an interview.

Remember, its all about Awareness!

 

Beth says:

I’m working on a questionnaire so that everybody can answer the same set of questions. Trisha or I will email it so you to fill out, so can anybody interested please send us your email address? We’re interested in you if: 

a) You’ve had a BLA
b) You’re considering a BLA
c) You’re a potential candidate but would never consider a BLA

PLEASE REMEMBER: Any information you provide related to a BLA will become public, so if you’re not willing to have your thoughts and answers shared with the public (meaning outside of this group in a video that will hopefully go viral on youtube!) then please don’t sign up to help with this project!

Feel free to ask us questions! Thanks!!

 

If you want to participate, please email Beth at icybluesnow@gmail.com

Thanks!

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Cushing’s: A Numbers Game

Posted on February 29, 2012 by MaryO

Trisha Thaens compiled this very moving video of her Cushing’s journey.  She says “OK, here is the link. I think it is best watched in full screen (the squarebutton in the bottom right hand corner). I wasn’t going to share quite yet, but was asked to because its Rare Disease Day.”

 

http://anumbersgame.shutterfly.com/29

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Dr. Theodore Friedman Returns to Answer Our Questions

Posted on February 27, 2012 by MaryO

Have questions about the new Korlym? How about Korlym vs ketoconazole? About medical vs surgical treatment for Cushing’s.

Ask Dr. Theodore Friedman.

Cushingshelpbtr

Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. has opened a private practice, specializing in treating patients with adrenal, pituitary, thyroid and fatigue disorders. Dr. Friedman has privileges at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Martin Luther King Medical Center. His practice includes detecting and treating hormone imbalances, including hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Friedman is also an expert in diagnosing and treating pituitary disorders, including Cushings disease and syndrome.

Dr. Friedman’s career reflects his ongoing quest to better understand and treat endocrine problems. With both medical and research doctoral degrees, he has conducted studies and cared for patients at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of Michigan, the National Institutes of Health, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and UCLA’s Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Read Dr. Friedman’s First Guest Chat, November 11, 2003.
Read Dr. Friedman’s Second Guest Chat, March 2, 2004.

 

Listen to Dr. Friedman First Live Voice Interview, January 29, 2009.
Listen to Dr. Friedman Second Live Voice Interview, March 12, 2009.
Listen to Dr. Friedman Third Live Voice Interview, February 13, 2011.

Listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2012/03/13/questions-about-medical-therapies-for-cushings

Call in to ask your question at 

(646) 200-0162

This interview will be archived afterwards at the same link and on iTunes Cushie Podcasts 

Filed under: Cushing's, Interview | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Adrenal Crisis

Posted on February 26, 2012 by MaryO

This is a “knol” that I wrote in 2008.  It was accepted by the Open Journal of Medicine.  

Now that “knols” are being discontinued, the Open Journal moved this to their site but all of the images were lost in the move.  Also, the name of one of their authors was added to my knol.  

I’m posting this here to keep the information as it was, not as it has morphed into.

Addison’s_Disease.pdf Download this file

 

Filed under: adrenal, adrenal crisis | Leave a comment »

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