Symptoms related to a tumor that are not due to direct invasion by the tumor, but usually from substances secreted by the cancer cells of the tumor. These substances usually produce symptoms in organs unrelated to the site of the tumor. Paraneoplastic syndromes can play a role in the diagnosis of cancer, because their appearance can be the first sign of disease, making it possible for the cancer to be detected early.
Indirect effects of cancers, such as metabolic disturbances or hormonal excesses produced by chemicals released by tumor cells. Tumors such as small-cell carcinoma of the lung, hypernephroma, and neuroendocrine cancers are often responsible.
A collection of symptoms linked to cancer but not directly caused by the cancer itself.