Endometrial carcinoma presenting as vasculitic sensorimotor polyneuropathy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are indirect effects of cancer.
• Paraneoplastic polyneuropathy (PNP) is typically associated with lung, prostate, gastric, and breast cancers.
• PNP is rarely reported with endometrial cancer.

Observation:

• A premenopausal woman presented with severe, asymmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy and vasculitis.
• These neurological symptoms developed concurrently with endometrial carcinoma.
• The patient had no prior medical history, making the symptoms suspicious for an underlying malignancy.

Findings:

• The patient's neurological symptoms improved with surgical treatment of the endometrial carcinoma and steroid therapy.
• This case demonstrates a rare association between endometrial cancer and paraneoplastic polyneuropathy.
• Neurological manifestations can serve as indicators of tumor progression or regression.

Implications:

• Early recognition of neurological symptoms like asymmetric sensorimotor deficits and paresthesias is crucial in otherwise healthy women.
• Treatment of the primary tumor is the recommended approach for managing paraneoplastic polyneuropathy.
• This case underscores the importance of considering malignancy in patients presenting with unexplained neurological disorders.