Guillain-Barré syndrome as a paraneoplastic manifestation of disseminated squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

We describe a 65-year-old woman who developed ascending, symmetrical paraesthesia and weakness. This was on a background of metastatic disseminated squamous cell carcinoma, with a likely recurrent mandibular primary. Serum testing for antiganglioside antibodies was strongly positive. Despite a 5-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient passed away on day 34 of admission. This is the first case, to our knowledge, of Guillain-Barré syndrome in association with squamous cell carcimoma.

A Case of Paraneoplastic Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

“…Of the reported cases, seven involve small cell lung cancer [ 3 , 5 - 9 , 11 ] and two involve adenocarcinoma of the lung [ 4 , 10 ]. There is only one other documented case involving squamous cell, however the primary tumor originated from the mandible [ 20 ]. The patient in the reported case of GBS occurring concomitantly with squamous cell was diagnosed with cancer after the onset of ascending paralysis and similarly, did not respond to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.…”