Neoplastic Process
paraneoplastic syndromes
Subclass of:
Neoplasms
Definitions related to paraneoplastic syndromes:
-
A classification for rare disorders of diverse organ systems (endocrine, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, renal, dermatologic, rheumatologic, hematologic) that are affected by substances secreted by a distant neoplasm but not by the action of the neoplasm itself metastasizing to that organ or tissue. Less than 1 % of neoplasms are associated with these syndromes. An immune-mediated response to neoplasm-elaborated proteins may be the cause of these syndromes. Additionally, their manifestation may signal the presence of an occult neoplasm, potentially at an earlier stage of disease thereby leading to a better clinical outcome. Constitutional signs may include fever, night sweats, anorexia and cachexia. Clinical course is usually progressive. Prognosis is variable depending on the effective treatment of the underlying neoplasm.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
A group of symptoms that may develop when substances released by some cancer cells disrupt the normal function of surrounding cells and tissue.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
In patients with neoplastic diseases a wide variety of clinical pictures which are indirect and usually remote effects produced by tumor cell metabolites or other products.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
Paraneoplastic syndromes are symptoms that occur at sites distant from a tumor or its metastasis. Although the pathogenesis remains unclear, these symptoms may be secondary to substances secreted by the tumor or may be a result of antibodies directed against tumors that cross-react with other tissue. Symptoms may occur in any organ or...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
-
Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare disorders that are triggered by an altered immune system response to a neoplasm. They are defined as clinical syndromes involving nonmetastatic systemic effects that accompany malignant disease.WebMD, 2019
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> P
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.