A paraneoplastic phenomenon is a disease or symptom that is the consequence of the presence of cancer in the body, but is not due to the local presence of cancer cells. A large number of these phenomena are mediated by the immune system.
Examples
Examples of paraneoplastic phenomena:
• Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in small-cell lung cancer
• Hypercalcemia in breast cancer and lung cancer due to the production of PTHrP (Parathyroid hormone-related protein)
• Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration associated with lung, ovarian, breast, lymphatic, and other cancers
• Granulocytosis (increased granulocytes) due to the production of G-CSF
• Dermatomyositis (25-50% of adult patients have an underlying malignancy) and polymyositis
• Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS)
• Encephalomyelitis (Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord)
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Limbic and/or Brainstem Encephalitis
• Neuromyotonia
• Opsoclonus (Involving eye movement)
• Sensory Neuropathy
|
