TITLE:
Advanced Lung Neoplasia with Multisystem Paraneoplastic Syndrome in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Flávia Fundora Ramos, Catarina Pinto Silva, Daniel Santos, Laura Cainé, Carla Costa
KEYWORDS:
Paraneoplastic Syndrome, Lung Neoplasia, Electrolyte Imbalance, Geriatric Oncology, Palliative Care
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
10,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Paraneoplastic syndromes occur in approximately 10% - 16% of lung cancer patients, with electrolyte disturbances representing some of the most challenging manifestations in geriatric oncology. Elderly patients often present with atypical symptoms that complicate early diagnosis and management. Case Report: An 80-year-old autonomous woman presented with progressive asthenia, refractory hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis over several weeks. Imaging revealed a right hilar lung mass with multiple metastases to the liver and adrenal glands. Despite an extensive workup, bronchoscopic biopsies remained inconclusive. The patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, precluding further invasive diagnostic procedures, and she died without definitive histological confirmation. Conclusion: This case underscores the multifaceted challenges in geriatric oncology, particularly when paraneoplastic syndromes dominate the clinical presentation. It highlights the importance of recognizing systemic manifestations of advanced malignancy and the need for individualized, palliative-focused care when curative interventions are not feasible.