Paraneoplastic syndromes
What's the scoop?
Paraneoplastic syndromes is a term that describes different types of negative side effects cancer can cause beginning in the nervous system.
This happens in the nervous system when cancer fighting cells from the body's immune system accidentally attack parts of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
Sometimes this can be treated if the damage to the nervous system isn't too bad, however sometimes if the damage is advanced, certain side effects can not be reversed.
Tell me more.
Paraeoplastic syndromes can cause trouble walking or maintaining balance, loss of muscle, loss of otor skills, trouble swallowing and with speech, memory loss, vision problems, trouble sleeping, seizures, hallucinations and abnormal unintended movements.
There are 11 different types of paraneoplastic syndromes based on what they affect in the body.
While any cancer can have the side effect of paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system, they are more likely to occur with cancer of the
- lungs
- ovary
- breast
- testicle
- lymphatic system (ie. lymphomas)
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing paraneoplastic syndrome of the nervous system includes both physical exams and blood tests. If the doctor requires more information, she might also perform a spinal tap or an imaging test, such as a CT, MRI or an X-ray.
Treatment will vary depending on what your paraneoplastic syndrome is affecting. Drugs such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants can be used to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body and reduce the number or cancer fighting agents respectively. Other more specific drugs will be used based on specific side effects in the body as well.
Therapies that don't include medicine are body physical and speech therapy. These will both help with muscle control and function and should work in helping you lead a normal life.
What's the scoop?
Paraneoplastic syndromes is a term that describes different types of negative side effects cancer can cause beginning in the nervous system.
This happens in the nervous system when cancer fighting cells from the body's immune system accidentally attack parts of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
Sometimes this can be treated if the damage to the nervous system isn't too bad, however sometimes if the damage is advanced, certain side effects can not be reversed.
Tell me more.
Paraeoplastic syndromes can cause trouble walking or maintaining balance, loss of muscle, loss of otor skills, trouble swallowing and with speech, memory loss, vision problems, trouble sleeping, seizures, hallucinations and abnormal unintended movements.
There are 11 different types of paraneoplastic syndromes based on what they affect in the body.
While any cancer can have the side effect of paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system, they are more likely to occur with cancer of the
- lungs
- ovary
- breast
- testicle
- lymphatic system (ie. lymphomas)
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing paraneoplastic syndrome of the nervous system includes both physical exams and blood tests. If the doctor requires more information, she might also perform a spinal tap or an imaging test, such as a CT, MRI or an X-ray.
Treatment will vary depending on what your paraneoplastic syndrome is affecting. Drugs such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants can be used to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body and reduce the number or cancer fighting agents respectively. Other more specific drugs will be used based on specific side effects in the body as well.
Therapies that don't include medicine are body physical and speech therapy. These will both help with muscle control and function and should work in helping you lead a normal life.
Symptom list:
Paraneoplastic syndromes
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
