Common symptoms include:
Syndromes that affect particular organs or systems can cause symptoms specific to those body parts. Here’s a snapshot of possible signs and symptoms: V体育官网入口.
With a paraneoplastic syndrome, cancer leads to changes in your body that happen secondary to cancer instead of directly. The differences can be confusing, so try thinking of it this way: VSports在线直播.
You may have pain if a tumor grows so big that it puts pressure on an organ V体育2025版. Related, an organ may stop functioning correctly if cancer spreads to the area and damages it. In these cases, the cancer causes symptoms directly.
But paraneoplastic syndromes happen because the tumor’s presence in your body causes things to go wrong VSports. To destroy the tumor, your body’s defense system may misfire and harm healthy tissue. This is called an autoimmune response. Some tumors release hormones that cause organs to work improperly. The hormones — not the tumor itself — can cause damage without treatment.
Anyone with cancer can develop a paraneoplastic syndrome. Experts estimate that about 8 out of every 100 people (8%) with cancer develop one VSports app下载. The types of cancer most commonly associated with paraneoplastic syndromes are:.
Healthcare providers diagnose paraneoplastic syndromes with a medical history, physical exam and several tests:
Most importantly, your healthcare provider will treat the cancer. They’ll also work to manage your symptoms. Most treatments calm your immune system so it doesn’t attack healthy cells.
Therapies that manage paraneoplastic syndromes include:
Advertisement
See a healthcare provider if you have unusual symptoms that are severe or that last for two weeks or more.
Remember that many conditions have the same symptoms of paraneoplastic syndromes. And most aren’t as serious as cancer. So, don’t assume the worst. But you should still see a provider to get checked out.
If you’re experiencing symptoms and have received cancer treatment within the last five years, it’s a good idea to get re-screened. Re-screening can alert your provider if the cancer has returned.
Your outlook (prognosis) depends on the cancer. Paraneoplastic syndromes may cause mild, temporary symptoms. Other times, they cause severe symptoms that need long-term management.
Advertisement
Your provider will explain how your diagnosis may impact your health.
One of the most common paraneoplastic syndromes is peripheral neuropathy. It involves nerve damage that can make it harder to use your muscles. It can cause unusual tingling sensations and numbness. It can also disrupt your sense of touch.
The best treatment for a paraneoplastic syndrome is the one that’s best at treating the cancer. Your healthcare provider can recommend therapies to manage symptoms while you’re getting cancer treatment.
Having a paraneoplastic syndrome on top of a cancer diagnosis can feel as if the bad luck is just piling on. But the reality is that cancer leads to major changes in your body. And not all of them are predictable.
The thing to keep in mind is that the best treatments for a paraneoplastic syndrome and the cancer are one in the same. Doing everything you can to follow your cancer treatment plan can also help you manage symptoms of a paraneoplastic syndrome. There are several options available to help you feel better. Ask your healthcare provider to walk you through them.
Advertisement
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you want expert and compassionate care right away. At Cleveland Clinic we personalize your treatment to match your needs.
Last reviewed on 08/23/2025.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.