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Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Jessica Day1, Bernard Yan, Richard De Boer

  • 1Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|June 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights a rare instance of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) linked to lung squamous cell carcinoma. This neurological condition presented with ataxia and vertigo in an elderly male patient.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare neurological disorder.
  • It is often associated with various cancers, leading to cerebellar dysfunction.

Observation:

  • A 78-year-old male presented with acute cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and vertigo.
  • Brain MRI revealed no posterior fossa infiltrative pathology.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated protein and pleocytosis.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
  • A diagnosis of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) was established.
  • This association with lung squamous cell carcinoma is exceptionally rare, with only two prior reported cases.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known spectrum of cancers associated with PCD.
  • Early recognition of PCD is crucial for timely cancer diagnosis and management.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking lung cancer and PCD.
Keywords:
Cerebellar ataxiaParaneoplasticSquamous cell carcinoma

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