PARANEOPLASIC NEUROLOGICAL SYNDROMES IN BREAST CANCER: A CASE REPORT AND LITTERATURE REVIEW

Tebra Mrad S., Bhiri H., *Tbessi S., Boughanmi S. and Bouaouina N.

ABSTRACT

Background: Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes are rare. Their precise pathophysiologic mechanisms remain to be defined. They may develop at any point in the course of breast cancer, even preceding the formal diagnosis and can be quite debilitating when they occur. Case report: We present the case of a 38 year old woman with progressive worsening paresthesia in the upper limbs and walking difficulties. Extensive workup for etiology was negative. After 12 months of follow up and reevaluation, the identification of anti-amphisine antibodies led to the discovery of breast cancer. Conclusion: Patients with onconeural antibodies and neurological symptoms should be investigated for cancer thoroughly.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Paraneoplasic syndrome, Chemotherapie, Radiotherapy.