Endocrine manifestations of adult malignancy

The endocrine paraneoplastic manifestations of cancer are well described and result from ectopic hormone production by non-endocrine organs or direct hormone secretion from endocrine malignancies. However, an emergent and more common issue is that of endocrine dysfunction associated with systemic anti-cancer therapies. These often present with vague symptoms but can be life-threatening and therefore awareness of these is essential. Here, we review the three most common paraneoplastic manifestations of cancer (hypercalceamia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, Cushing's syndrome) and provide an overview of the endocrine complications of systemic anti-cancer therapies.