Neuromuscular paraneoplastic syndromes: the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Disorders in which the effects of cancer occur at a site remote from the primary tumor are termed paraneoplastic disorders. The most well- known paraneoplastic disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction is the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).

Discussion: We describe a case of the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome diagnosed in a patient with small cell lung cancer presenting with profound weakness. The discussion that follows the case describes the pathophysiology of the disorder, clinical characteristics and therapies that have been used. The role of the palliative care team in the case is described.