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.
Palliative Care Unit, Edmonton General Hospital, Alberta, Canada.
S M
SM
MacDonald
N
N
Hagen
E
E
Bruera
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*