LEMS often goes unrecognized in US patients with lung cancer: Study

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) may be underdiagnosed in a sizeable fraction of people with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a study analyzing real-world data suggests. Based on these findings, scientists argue that standardized protocols to screen people with SCLC for LEMS “may be warranted.” David Morrell, senior vice president…

Small cell lung cancer detected 9 years after LEMS in man, 61

It can take as long as nine years for doctors to be able to detect a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in people with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), as evidenced by a new case report from Italy. The report describes a man, 61, who was tested every six months…

Delays and Misdiagnosis Common With Lung Cancer-linked LEMS

Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common among people with lung cancer-associated Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), according to a small study in China. Most patients showed signs of LEMS before their lung cancer diagnosis — such as muscle weakness and problems in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as…

Inconclusive Does Not Mean Nothing Is Wrong

While Rare Disease Day events spanned the globe, I came across paperwork that reminded me of how difficult it was to have my Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) diagnosed. For close to a decade, I had occasional numbness on my face. The muscles in my back were in constant spasm,…