Paraneoplastic Rheumatic Syndromes

Abstract

A wide variety of rheumatic manifestations have been associated with malignancy. These manifestations can result from direct invasion of bone, joints or soft tissue by the tumor, but may also occur by distant effects of the tumor mediated by humoral factors (paraneoplastic syndromes). Among the paraneoplastic rheumatic syndromes, hyperthrophic ostearthropaty, carcinoma polyarthritis, dermatomyositis and vasculitis are the most frequently recognized. Paraneoplastic syndromes may precede, by no longer than 2 years, appear simultaneously with or follow the diagnosis of cancer. The clinical course usually parallels that of the tumor. Therefore, cure of the underlying malignancy often results, although not invariably, results in regression of the paraneoplastic syndrome.