Guide To The Types Of Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Myelopathy

Myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is severely compressed, the only treatment for which is decompression surgery. There are multiple causes of myelopathy. In paraneoplastic syndrome, the cause is autoimmune. It's rare for myelopathy to be caused by paraneoplastic reasons, but experts stress the importance of considering a paraneoplastic reason for myelopathy. Patients may present with this condition before they show symptoms of cancer, and identification of the paraneoplastic nature may lead to a cancer diagnosis. Individuals with myelopathy might have pain in their legs, arms, lower back, or neck. They may also experience numbness or weakness. It may be difficult to use fine motor skills for tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing. Walking may also be difficult, and patients may lose their ability to control their bowels.