Paraneoplastic polymyositis presenting as a clinically occult breast cancer

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2017 Feb;99(2):e40-e43. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0301. Epub 2016 Sep 23.

Abstract

Paraneoplastic syndrome affects less than 1% of cancer patients. Diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome with neurological presentation requires screening for an underlying malignancy, including a complete history, physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment often results in symptom stability, rather than improvement. Paraneoplastic polymyositis can precede or instantaneously occur at diagnosis or treatment of a primary tumour, while neurological symptoms can persist even following cancer treatment. We report a rare case of metaplastic breast carcinoma with an unusual presentation of paraneoplastic polymyositis.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Diagnosis; Metaplastic carcinoma; Neurology; Paraneoplastic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes*
  • Polymyositis*