[Mental disorders in paraneoplastic syndromes]

Usually paraneoplastic symptoms precede actual diagnosis of a neoplasm, however, may also be concurrent with it. They do not result from the localization of the primary lesion nor are associated with metastases or with other effects of presence and treatment of the neoplasm. The immunological etiology is assumed. In diagnostics estimation of level of the antionconeuronal antibodies may be helpful. Mental disorders in the course of paraneoplastic syndrome may coexist with neoplasm, but also may precede it (combined with neurological signs or without them). Such mental disorders have diverse clinical pictures and often are characterized by atypical and heavy course. Observed psychopathological symptoms do not form any specific diagnostic profile delineated in ICD 10 and encompass disturbances of consciousness, perception and thinking, as well as affective states. Although psychiatric intervention in paraneoplastic syndromes with psychopathological symptoms is merely symptomatic, one can still expect atypical response. Suspected paraneoplastic syndrome in patients not yet diagnosed as having neoplasm should persuade one to initiate a screening for potential focal change and to introduce targeted treatment should tumor growth be confirmed.