Small fiber neuropathy with ET is a really important question to explore with your hematologist. Paraneoplastic syndromes are disorders triggered by the immune system's abnormal response to a blood cancer like ET, where antibodies meant to fight the cancer mistakenly attack healthy cells instead.
Sensory neuropathy — which Show Full Answer
Small fiber neuropathy with ET is a really important question to explore with your hematologist. Paraneoplastic syndromes are disorders triggered by the immune system's abnormal response to a blood cancer like ET, where antibodies meant to fight the cancer mistakenly attack healthy cells instead.
Sensory neuropathy — which involves loss of sensation throughout the body — is recognized as a paraneoplastic nervous system disorder. Small fiber neuropathy falls within this category, so yes, it could potentially be considered paraneoplastic in nature. The fact that your autoimmune tests are negative and CRP is low doesn't necessarily rule it out. Paraneoplastic syndromes are caused by the cancer itself triggering an immune response, not always by the typical inflammatory markers doctors usually look for.
Treatment options for paraneoplastic syndromes can include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Intravenous immunoglobulins to support healthy antibodies
- Immunosuppressants to manage immune responses
- Plasmapheresis to reduce antibody levels
- Physical therapy to help with movement and sensation
Treating the underlying ET itself is also considered a key part of managing paraneoplastic symptoms. It's really worth raising this specifically with your hematologist, as connecting these dots could influence your overall treatment plan.
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Paraneoplastic Syndromes and MPNs
August 18