Paraneoplastic syndromes
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Paraneoplastic syndromes (pronunciation: para-neo-plastic sin-dromes) are a group of rare disorders that are triggered by an abnormal immune system response to a cancerous tumor known as a neoplasm.
Etymology
The term "paraneoplastic" originates from the Greek words "para" meaning "beside" and "neoplasia" meaning "new growth". It refers to the medical conditions that occur alongside cancer but are not directly caused by the tumor itself.
Types of Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Paraneoplastic syndromes can affect various systems of the body, including the nervous, endocrine, and hematologic systems. Some common types include:
- Paraneoplastic pemphigus
- Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome
Symptoms
Symptoms of paraneoplastic syndromes vary widely depending on the type and the system of the body they affect. They may include muscle weakness, difficulty walking or swallowing, loss of muscle coordination, or even changes in personality and behavior.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndromes often involves a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The presence of specific autoantibodies in the blood can also be a strong indicator of these syndromes.
Treatment
Treatment of paraneoplastic syndromes primarily focuses on treating the underlying cancer. In some cases, therapies to suppress the immune system may also be beneficial.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Paraneoplastic syndromes
- Wikipedia's article - Paraneoplastic syndromes
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