Question

A 52-year-old man presents after coughing up blood. He has a 60-pack/year history of smoking, and he recently developed a persistent cough. An extensive work-up is done, and he is found to have small cell carcinoma of the lung. What is most likely to be secreted by the tumor?

1. ADH
2. HCG
3. CA 125
4. Alpha-fetoprotein
5. Calcitonin

Answer 1

The most likely substance to be secreted by a small cell carcinoma of the lung in the given patient is ADH (antidiuretic hormone), associated with the paraneoplastic syndrome known as SIADH. The correct answer is ADH

Step-by-step explanation:

The 52-year-old man with a significant smoking history and persistence cough has been diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the lung. This type of lung cancer is known for being particularly aggressive and having the potential to produce ectopic hormones.

Among the options provided, ADH (antidiuretic hormone), also known as vasopressin, is the substance most likely to be secreted by a small cell carcinoma of the lung. This phenomenon is part of a paraneoplastic syndrome, specifically known as the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).