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.
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.
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.