What are Paraneoplastic Syndromes?

Paraneoplastic syndromes are diseases that arise due to the presence of cancerous tumors. Specific syndrome is usually induced by the reaction of the immune system to cancer and may affect the system or part of the body that is completely separated from the physical tumor. The most common paraneoplastic syndromes affect the nervous or endocrine system. Symptoms range from fever and weakness to impaired heart and gastrointestinal tract. Most syndromes are released when the basic tumor is effectively treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

The immune system releases antibodies in an effort to fight cancer tumors known as neoplasms. Paraneoplastic syndrome leads when these antibodies accidentally attack a healthy tissue in other parts of the body. In addition, hormones and proteins that are produced by cancer cells may be triggered. These syndromes can trigger many different types of cancer, although they are most common in patients with RakovInou lungs, ovaries and breast cancer. Doctors cannot reliably predict when to appear and are usually not discovered until patients show physical symptoms. The resulting paraneoplastic syndromes often lead to a number of weakening neurological problems. The individual may have difficulty walking, control of engine movements, vision and speaking. Dizziness, headaches and numbness on the limbs are common and some people suffer from dementia and seizures.

The

endocrine system of the body, which includes pineals, thyroid, adrenal gland and reproductive gland, can be influenced by abnormal hormones excreted cancerous tumors. Paraneoplastic syndromes may disrupt the production and release of normal hormones, causing fever, fatigue and poor functioning of liver and kidney. Common syndrome, which is very similar to Cushing's disease, can lead to swelling of the face and noticeable accumulation of fat in the abdomen. Other Paraneoplastic SyndromesThey can cause high blood pressure, heart palpitations, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal problems.

In many cases, the occurrence of paraneoplastic syndrome is detected before recording the basic tumor. A doctor who observes common symptoms of a particular syndrome can perform further studies to identify the presence of cancer. Treatment measures are usually aimed at removing the tumor, thereby alleviating the accompanying paraneoplastic syndromes. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the physician may recommend surgical removal, chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Persistent symptoms of paraneoplastic disorders may be treated with immunosuppressive drugs to control the production of hormones and antibodies.