Paraneoplastic syndromes: unusual manifestations of malignant disease.

This monograph has attempted to summarize in a general fashion the ever-enlarging spectrum of the paraneoplastic syndromes. Recognition of their presence at times can lead to the earlier diagnosis of an underlying malignancy. In many instances, palliative therapy or correction of the syndrome may produce relief from the multiplicity of symptoms that develop. The syndromes may be readily apparent or subtle in their onset. Some are life threatening. Prompt recognition and institution of therapy are essential in those instances. The paraneoplastic syndromes usually are categorized by organ system, target organ involved or, where possible, by mediating factors. A careful study of these symptom complexes may lead to better methods of detecting cancer, as well as to a better understanding of its etiology and prevention in the human.