[Peripheral neuropathy in cancer].
Neuropathy is a quite common finding in cancer patients. If the cancer is known, the main clinical problem is often whether the symptoms and signs are caused by metastasis or recurrence, or if the neuropathy can be related to effects of the oncological treatment. In addition to the clinical findings, radiological and neurophysiological examination can often be of considerable diagnostic help. Peripheral neuropathy may also be the first manifestation of the cancer, as in paraneoplastic neuropathies. Detecting the tumor in these cases may improve the oncological prognosis, as the neuropathy often precedes tumor symptoms by several years. A determined approach in searching for an occult cancer is necessary. The neuropathic symptoms are seldom life-threatening. However, the neuropathy may cause distressing symptoms, and symptomatic treatment and rehabilitation is often required.
Storstein
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Nevrologisk avdeling, Haukeland Sykehus 5021 Bergen. anette.storstein@haukeland.no
Vedeler
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Johannesen
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D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents