Paraneoplastic Neuromuscular Disorders : Evidence - Based Screening Approach For Systemic Cancers

Abstract

Paraneoplastic neuromuscular disorders though rare are an important group of conditions. Prompt recognition of these syndromes should lead to a careful search for an otherwise occult and often treatable cancer. However, in practice , such a search is not only expensive but its yield is often low. the current understanding of these syndromes doest not yet permit formulation of practice parameters for a cost-effective search for systemic cancers in such a setting. This article, based on the current knowledge of these syndromes, attempts to formulate certain broad guidelines to make the search for systemic cancers in patients with suspected paraneoplastic neuromuscular syndromes, judicious and more cost-effective. A careful clinical evaluation couples with an evidence-based investigative approach remain the pragmatic method to evaluate patients with suspected paraneoplastic neuromuscular syndromes. The major objective behind cancer screening in a patient with suspected paraneoplastic syndrome is to detect and treat the cancer early with a hope that this may improve the neurological syndrome, and, thereby, the duration and quality of survival.