Paraneoplastic syndromes of gynecologic neoplasms

Purpose and Design: The purpose of this review is to define and describe the paraneoplastic syndromes associated with gynecologic neoplasms, A comprehensive search of MEDLINE from 1966 to January 1996 and Cancerlit was performed, One hundred twenty-two reports were reviewed. Results: Twenty-four paraneoplastic syndromes have been associated with gynecologic malignancies, Six anatomic systems are affected by these syndromes, However, except for disseminated intravascular coagulation and hypercalcemia, these syndromes are rare. Conclusion: Paraneoplastic syndromes are not frequently associated with gynecologic malignancies, The diagnosis of these syndromes is essential, as they can be occasionally life-threatening. Some paraneoplastic syndromes can be used as marker of progression or regression of the underlying malignancy. (C) 1997 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.