Normalization of the Tumor Marker CA-125 after Oophorectomy in a Patient with Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration without Detectable Cancer

Authors: Mason W.P.¹; Dalmau J.¹; Curtin J.P.²; Posner J.B.¹

Source: Gynecologic Oncology, Volume 65, Number 1, April 1997 , pp. 173-176(4)

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Abstract:

A 61-year-old woman developed severe subacute cerebellar degeneration in association with a neuronal antinuclear autoantibody. Neurologic investigations were remarkable only for mild CSF leukocytosis. Despite no radiographic evidence of cancer, a salpingo-oophorectomy was performed on the basis of an increased gynecologic cancer marker (CA-125) and the neurologic symptoms that were strongly suggestive of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. Although no tumor was detected in the surgical specimen, CA-125 levels normalized after surgery. The patient remains stable 12 months after surgery with a severe cerebellar syndrome, no evidence of cancer, and persistent circulating antineuronal autoantibodies. An elevated tumor marker in a patient with a presumed paraneoplastic neurologic disorder should suffice as evidence of an occult neoplasm, and guide definitive treatment.

Language: English

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neurology 2: Department of Neurology, Department of Gynecology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10021

Publication date: 1997-04-01