Migratory polyarthritis as a paraneoplastic syndrome

Carcinomatous polyarthritis (CP) is a rare paraneoplastic disorder that has been associated with a variety of solid tumors. It presents in a similar manner to other polyarticular disorders and often precedes detection of the underlying malignancy, making recognition critical. CP responds to the treatment of the neoplastic process. We present a patient who initially presented with asymmetric inflammatory polyarthritis who was later diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma. Following the case report we present our learning objectives, which include the differential diagnosis of inflammatory polyarthritis, diagnostic approach to CP, and features that distinguish it from other more common causes of polyarthritis. We conclude with a brief discussion of the pathophysiology and management of CP.