Malignancy associated neuropathies are diseases of the nervous system that occur as a result of pre-existing malignancies in the individual and the medication that is used to manage their neuropathies.
Examples of malignancy associated neuropathies include:
- Neuropathy due to chemotherapy side effects
- Neuropathy due to monoclonal gammopathies
- Neuropathy due to tumor compression
- Neuropathy due to tumor infiltration
NEUROPATHIES ASSOCIATED WITH MALIGNANCY | |||
NEUROPATHY | SIGNS/ SYMPTOMS | TREATMENT | PROGNOSIS |
Chemotherapy side effects neuropathy | Tingling sensation, burning sensation, stabbing pain, and complete numbness. | Steroids, antiseizure drugs, opioids, antidepressants | Good prognosis since once the chemotherapy is withdrawn then symptoms disappear. |
Monoclonal gammopathies neuropathy | Sensory ataxia, tingling sensation, and numbness. | plasmapheresis | Fair since the side effects occurs ten years later and the mortality rate is low |
Tumor compression neuropathy | Loss of function, numbness, weakness, loss of balance | Removal of the tumor. | |
Tumor infiltration neuropathy |