PARANEOPLASTIC NEUROPATHY Meaning and
Definition
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Paraneoplastic neuropathy is a medical condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves that occurs as a result of an underlying cancerous tumor in the body. It is considered a rare and often challenging complication that can occur in various types of cancers, such as lung, breast, ovarian, or lymphoma.
This condition is categorized as a paraneoplastic syndrome, meaning that the neurological symptoms arise due to an immune response triggered by the cancerous cells rather than direct invasion or compression of nerves by the tumor. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve tissue, resulting in inflammation, degeneration, and dysfunction of the peripheral nerves.
The symptoms of paraneoplastic neuropathy can vary widely depending on the individual and the location and extent of the nerve damage. Common manifestations include muscle weakness, numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities, pain, unsteady gait, and impaired reflexes. As the condition progresses, motor and sensory functions may be significantly affected, leading to difficulties with daily activities and overall quality of life.
The diagnosis of paraneoplastic neuropathy typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and various imaging tests to identify the presence of an underlying cancerous tumor. Treatment options focus on addressing the underlying cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, along with supportive measures to manage neuropathic symptoms.
Overall, paraneoplastic neuropathy is an uncommon neurological disorder that arises as a remote effect of cancer and often requires a comprehensive approach involving oncologists, neurologists, and supportive care specialists to manage both the cancer and the associated neurological symptoms.
Common Misspellings for PARANEOPLASTIC NEUROPATHY
- oaraneoplastic neuropathy
- laraneoplastic neuropathy
- -araneoplastic neuropathy
- 0araneoplastic neuropathy
- pzraneoplastic neuropathy
- psraneoplastic neuropathy
- pwraneoplastic neuropathy
- pqraneoplastic neuropathy
- paeaneoplastic neuropathy
- padaneoplastic neuropathy
- pafaneoplastic neuropathy
- pataneoplastic neuropathy
- pa5aneoplastic neuropathy
- pa4aneoplastic neuropathy
- parzneoplastic neuropathy
- parsneoplastic neuropathy
- parwneoplastic neuropathy
- parqneoplastic neuropathy
- parabeoplastic neuropathy
- parameoplastic neuropathy
Etymology of PARANEOPLASTIC NEUROPATHY
The word "paraneoplastic neuropathy" consists of three main components:
1. Para-: derived from the Greek prefix "para-" meaning "beside" or "beyond". In this context, it suggests an association or side effect of something else, in this case, cancer.
2. Neoplastic: derived from the Greek term "neo-" meaning "new" and the Greek word "plasis" meaning "formation" or "growth". Neoplastic refers to any abnormal growth or tumor, typically associated with cancer.
3. Neuropathy: derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning "nerve" and "pathos" meaning "suffering". It refers to a general term for nerve damage or dysfunction.
Thus, "paraneoplastic neuropathy" refers to a condition in which nerve damage or dysfunction occurs as a result of or in association with cancer.
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