Normalization of the tumor marker CA-125 after oophorectomy in a patient with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration without detectable cancer.

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.

• Authors: W P Mason, J Dalmau, J P Curtin, J B Posner
• Journal: Gynecologic oncology (Gynecol Oncol) Vol. 65 Issue 1 Pg. 173-6 (Apr 1997) ISSN: 0090-8258 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9103409 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• CA-125 Antigen

Topics

• Autoantibodies (blood)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood)
• CA-125 Antigen (blood)
• Cerebellar Diseases (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Ovariectomy
• Ovary (pathology, surgery)
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes (blood)