| Abstract: |
Paraneoplastic syndromes are defined as disorders of organ or tissue function caused by cancer, but not a direct result of tumor invasion. Paraneoplastic syndromes can affect any portion of the nervous system, either a single area or cell type (e.g., Purkinje cells of the cerebellum) or cause more widespread damage (e.g., encephalomyelitis). The disorders are believed to be a result of an immune response to antigens shared by a cancer and the nervous system. Similar disorders occur with a lesser incidence in patients without cancer. The identification of paraneoplastic antibodies in serum can establish the diagnosis of a paraneoplastic syndrome and often suggests the primary site of the cancer. Treatment usually requires both cancer therapy and immunosuppression. The prognosis for the cancer seems better in patients with paraneoplastic syndromes. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
