Quix (or anyone)....Paraneoplastic Reflexes???

[aiMelissa]

What is paraneoplastic reflexes in laymans terms, lol.  When I look it up I can't get past the word cancer.  I had CTs of my chest, abdomen and pelvis today and labs for paraneoplastic panel.  The referral for the CT said "opthoclonus, paraneoplastic reflexes, and parasthesias."  

I'm sorry if this has nothing to do with MS and I need to just move off of this board.  You all are so smart and I am scared out of my mind with the C word coming into play.  Any insight would be MUCH appreciated.  I see the doc Wed to get results from the CTs.  

I am nervous.

[slightlybroken]

I know that cancer is one word that scares everybody when it is brought up.  We all can identify with that word and it's never good, but you have to stay calm and wait for the test results. This is what I found out.


Paraneoplastic neurological disorders (PNDs) are rare syndromes that are caused by an immune response against antigens. These antigens are common in both cancerous tissue and normal tissue but are recognized as foreign and lead to autoantibodies attacking both the tumor as well as portions of the nervous system.

The onset of SX is very fast. They use the blood panel to not only DX but narrow down the search as to where the problem lies with the combination of the CT scan to see if they can pick up on anything unusual. The presence of these antibodies establishes that you have PNDs. One problem is that PNDs can precede the detection of a tumor by months or years.



I know your nervous sweetie...but stay calm ..ok. Maybe they are just fishing for some answers and they want to cover even the rare syndromes...which is good. It sounds to me that it's DX a lot through blood test and you just had yours that day ...right? Have you had a  paraneoplastic panel before that day?

I had a cancer scare earlier this year because I kept developing large cyst on my ovaries. The one cyst had to be removed along with the ovary because it had done so much damage..(pushing around my organs). The doctors said that until they get in there and remove the cyst, they wouldn't know for sure if it was cancer or not. I was scared because I knew what that meant. Turned out that it wasn't, but within weeks later, I developed another large cyst on my only ovary. They ran a CA-125 test for ovarian cancer and it came up good.

I know your nervous but try not to get upset about it...Wait until the results are in. Keep us updated. It will be ok. We are here for you.

PS I couldn't find anything on paraneoplastic reflexes...just the above

[JonM]

Not a doctor, do have MS.  My research on that word indicates to me that the possibility of a tumor somewhere in the body may have a nuerological effect on the CNS away from the tumor site.  So these"reflexes" show up in or through the CNS, although the tumor may not be anywhere near where the symtoms appear or are felt. I.e a tumor of the spine may present symtoms in the legs.
Jon

[sllowe]

Hey Girl,

Don't you leave us now Melis.  You know the rules, right?  Well, it's Wednesday, and I want you to know that we are here with you, pulling for you, promise. Let us know what the Dr. says, ok?

Sending batches of extra hugs and prayers for you this a.m.

-Shelly

[aiMelissa]

Thanks Shelley.  Thanks for thinking of me  :-)