Not many people are aware of Paraneoplastic syndrome as it is a rare one that can occur due to cancer. When the immune system in a human body is considerably altered by neoplasm, it can result into Paraneoplastic syndrome. This is seen more among the patients belonging to middle to older age group. It can be the first sign of cancer in a patient. Below given are some important things that one should know about this specific syndrome.
Important Facts about Paraneoplastic Syndrome
This is a syndrome of the nervous system that can occur in patients of cancer. However, other organs such as skin, joints, even blood and hormones can be affected.
How does this Syndrome Trigger?
The Paraneoplastic syndrome develops in a human when the cancer fighting agents present in human immune system also affect other organs such as brain, nerves etc in a negative way. The effect of this system depends upon how far the nerve system came under attack. If the nerve system has suffered major attack it will result into problems in coordination of mind body action or use of muscles. At times it can so happen that the nervous system gets affected and there is practically no treatment of that.
What are the Symptoms of Paraneoplastic Syndrome?
There are a few symptoms that can help in diagnosis if a person has this syndrome or not and below given are some of the major symptoms:
- Problem in maintaining balance
- Muscle co ordination going astray
- Muscle becoming weak
- Difficulty faced during walking
- Slurred speech
- Problem related to finer motor skills, such as picking up items.
- Troubles in sleep
- Seizures
- Involuntary movements that are not regular
- Difficulty in swallowing food or medicines.
- Memory loss and similar cognitive disorders.
There are different types of Paraneoplastic syndromes. Often some of these symptoms form a cluster and operate on human body. When such a situation is manifested, it is divided in certain classes of Paraneoplastic syndrome. These include-
Cerbellar Degeneration
It implies that the nerve cells in the brain are getting lost; as a result, there are symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, difficulty in walking among other problems.
Encephalomyelitis
In this syndrome the brain and the spinal cord is inflammated and it is manifested through a number of symptoms.
Limbic Encephalitis
This leads to inflammation of limbic system in brain that controls emotions, and behaviors, etc.
If someone have any or a few of these signs, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately.
