Neuronal (Paraneoplastic) Antibody Profile

Your doctor may order this test if you have unexplained neurological symptoms and they suspect a paraneoplastic syndrome. The test can help identify antibodies associated with these syndromes, providing clues about the presence of an underlying cancer.

A positive result means that one or more of the antibodies the test looks for was detected in your blood. This suggests the presence of a paraneoplastic syndrome, indicating that there may be a hidden cancer in your body.

No, this test alone cannot diagnose cancer. However, it can provide important clues that suggest an underlying malignancy, which can guide your healthcare provider to order additional diagnostic tests.

Yes, the level of these antibodies can be monitored over time to help determine how well treatment is working. If the levels decrease, this may indicate that the treatment is effective.

The specific antibodies identified can sometimes provide clues about the type of cancer. For example, Anti-Yo antibodies are commonly associated with ovarian and breast cancers, while Anti-Hu antibodies are often seen with small cell lung cancer. However, further tests are required to confirm the type and location of the cancer.

The test requires a simple blood draw, typically from a vein in your arm.

The risks are minimal and are mostly associated with the blood draw. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the site of the needle prick.

Yes, there are no specific dietary restrictions for this test.

There's no known interference from medications. However, it's always a good idea to share all your current medications with your healthcare provider.

The typical turnaround time is 5-7 days, but it can vary depending on the lab.

Abnormal results can indicate a paraneoplastic syndrome and suggest the presence of an underlying cancer. Your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to locate and identify the specific type of cancer.

Yes, this test can be safely performed during pregnancy if necessary.

Yes, this test can be used in children if there are symptoms suggestive of a paraneoplastic syndrome.

No special preparation is needed before the test. You can eat and drink normally, and continue your regular activities.

Yes, the specific antibodies identified can help differentiate between different paraneoplastic syndromes. Different antibodies are associated with different syndromes, so the test results can provide valuable diagnostic information.

The test is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of the antibodies associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. However, a negative result does not completely rule out the possibility of a paraneoplastic syndrome or an underlying cancer.

Certain autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases can sometimes lead to the production of these antibodies, resulting in a false positive. Therefore, results should always be interpreted in conjunction with your symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic findings.

A positive result will prompt your doctor to order further diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cancer. These can include imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, tissue biopsy, or other lab tests.

This test is typically not used for people without symptoms. It is specifically designed to help diagnose paraneoplastic syndromes in people with unexplained neurological symptoms.

There's no known way to prevent paraneoplastic syndromes. The best strategy is early detection and treatment of the underlying cancer, which can often lead to improvement in the neurological symptoms.

While certain autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases can potentially affect the results, the test is designed to be highly specific for antibodies associated with paraneoplastic syndromes.

Yes, the test can be repeated to monitor the progress of the disease or to assess the response to treatment.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for this test. You should continue your usual diet and daily activities unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.

While this test is specific for paraneoplastic syndromes, the presence of these antibodies could indicate other neurological disorders. It's important to note that the diagnosis would depend on your clinical symptoms, history, and other diagnostic tests.