Paraneoplastic Syndrome
Clinical manifestations that occur in cancer patients but are not directly caused by the physical presence or metastasis of tumor.
Full Definition
A collection of clinical signs and symptoms that affect cancer patients due to substances produced by the tumor or by an immune response against the tumor, rather than by direct tumor invasion or metastasis. These syndromes can affect various organ systems including endocrine, neurologic, dermatologic, and hematologic systems. Common examples include hypercalcemia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Recognition of paraneoplastic syndromes is crucial for editors reviewing oncology literature as they may be the presenting feature of an occult malignancy.
Usage
Usage note: Always singular when referring to the general concept; plural when describing multiple specific syndromes.
In Context
- "The patient's severe hyponatremia was attributed to a paraneoplastic syndrome rather than brain metastases." — Clinical case report
- "Paraneoplastic syndromes were observed in 15% of the lung cancer cohort." — Research manuscript