Paraneoplastic syndromes

Abstract

Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs) are conditions arising from cytokines, hormones, and peptides released from tumor tissue or from the cross-immune interaction between normal tissue and malignant tissue and progress with dysfunction in various organs and systems far from the tumor. They may appear with different clinical pictures, particularly involvement of the endocrine, neurological, hematological, dermato-logical, and rheumatological system. Recognition of PNSs enables the detection of the underlying malignancy at a treatable stage and increases survival time. Moreover, the diagnosis and treatment of PNSs, an important cause of morbidity, improve the patient's quality of life. The main principle in treatment is to treat the underlying malignancy. Furthermore, immunosuppression and correction of electrolyte-hormonal disorders are also among treatment options.