Description:

Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes (PNS) is defined as group of neurological disorders which occur as an immunologic response to a primary malignancy within the body.

This umbrella of neurological syndromes includes a list of associated neurological disorders including Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration (PCD). Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration is defined as aneurological disorder associated with ovarian, breast and lung tumors specifically targeting the cerebellum mediated by cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes. This disease results in a gradual deficiency in coordination and motor function, a large decline in quality of life and eventual death.

PCD is primarily diagnosed with a blood test evaluating the presence of specific serum antibodies, each associated with a designated location of the paraneoplastic tumor in question.

Diagnostic ultrasound is a secondary tool used to evaluate for any soft tissue abnormalities related to PNS/PCD and offers relevant clinical information for proper diagnosis, characterization and location of any paraneoplastic lesion. Sonography aids specifically in identifying PCD-related ovarian, adnexal or breast masses.