Proximal muscle weakness in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Asthenia and generalized weakness are common in cancer patients. There are multiple causes for these symptoms. We describe a case of rapid onset of proximal muscle weakness in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. The differential diagnosis of muscle weakness in the palliative care patient is reviewed. The discussion centers on steroid myopathy and its treatment.
MacDonald
S M
SM
Palliative Care Unit, Edmonton General Hospital, Alberta, Canada.
Hagen
N
N
Bruera
E
E
D001247:Asthenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*