Paraneoplastic syndromes: a challenge for neuroscience nursing

Neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes are medical and nursing challenges. Although neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes are relatively rare in the total cancer population, they may be more commonly seen in the acute neurologic setting. O'Neill et al estimate that 60% of persons with Eaton-Lambert syndrome and 50% of persons with subacute cerebellar degeneration have an underlying cancer. The slow and subtle development of neurologic paraneoplastic disorders underscores the need for careful evaluation of persons with neurologic deficits. Once the diagnosis is made, nursing care must be based on the problems associated with paraneoplastic manifestations of the disease, as well as effects of the cancer and its treatment.