Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration as a presentation of breast cancer – a case report and review of the literature

Alia Noorani,Zaid Sadiq,Neda Minakaran,Kefah Mokbel,Catherine Coleman,Val A Thomas

doi:10.1186/1477-7800-5-8

Alia Noorani, Zaid Sadiq + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7800-5-8

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Abstract

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is part of a rare spectrum of neurological syndromes whereby gynaecological, lung or breast cancers present primarily with neurological manifestations. The presence of onconeural antibodies and PET scanning help in the challenging diagnosis of these conditions but despite the treatment of the primary cancer, the prognosis for the neurological symptoms is poor.

Highlights

Paraneoplastic syndromes are non metastatic neurological manifestations associated with onconeural antibodies that arise in less than 1% of patients with an underlying malignancy
These syndromes are well defined in cases of small cell carcinoma of the lung and less well known but described in cases of breast and gynaecological cancers [1,2]
Our patient expressed high titres of anti-Yo antibodies and this feature was reported in 88% of patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration [1]

Summary

Introduction

Paraneoplastic syndromes are non metastatic neurological manifestations associated with onconeural antibodies that arise in less than 1% of patients with an underlying malignancy. These syndromes are well defined in cases of small cell carcinoma of the lung and less well known but described in cases of breast and gynaecological cancers [1,2]. We present a case of a young woman who presented with cerebellar signs, positive anti-Yo antibodes and who was subsequently found to have breast cancer.

Results

Conclusion