What paraneoplastic syndrome is associated with small cell lung cancer?

Prepare for the COMLEX Level 2 exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready today!

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is known to be associated with several paraneoplastic syndromes due to the secretion of various hormones and cytokines by the tumor cells. One of the most notable paraneoplastic syndromes associated with SCLC is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). This condition leads to water retention, hyponatremia, and a euvolemic state.

In addition to SIADH, small cell lung cancer can also cause hypercalcemia, frequently through osteolytic metastases or parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) secretion, which mimics the action of parathyroid hormone and causes increased serum calcium levels. Furthermore, certain neurological manifestations, such as myelitis, may occur as a result of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes related to SCLC, where the body's immune system may mistakenly target nervous tissue.

Given that all these conditions—hypercalcemia, SIADH, and myelitis—can be associated with small cell lung cancer, the response stating that all of the above options are relevant is accurate. This broad range of potential paraneoplastic syndromes showcases the complexity of small cell lung cancer and its systemic effects on the body

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