Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Abstract

The protean manifestations of cancer can be classified on a pathophysiologic basis into direct and indirect effects. The direct effects of primary and metastatic cancers are the result of invasive masses interfering with the normal functioning of organ systems. The term "paraneoplastic syndrome" is used to describe the indirect effects of cancer that are secondary to the production of biologically active hormones, growth factors or as yet unidentified "humors," or in some cases, of antigen–antibody interactions induced by the tumor.Paraneoplastic syndromes are estimated to occur in only about 7 to 15 percent of patients with cancer. If the definition . . .