Is there any connection between Small Fiber Neuropathy and Cancer?

Posted by sherryanne1959 @sherryanne1959, Aug 13 10:02pm

Is there Any connection between SFN and Cancer? I have had SFN Since 2013 and my Dr. Told me yesterday that I have Cancer... I was wondering ... if there was any connection between the two of them?

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katgob | @katgob | Aug 13 10:48pm

What is SNF?

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Aug 14 8:08am

Hi Sherry and welcome to Mayo Connect. Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) can be associated with many medical conditions. It occurs as a result of damage to the small fibers of the peripheral nervous system brought on by inflammation.
Some of the causes of SFN include underlying health conditions such as: metabolic and endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, chemotherapy, to name a few. If this is directly related to your cancer or not would be a good question for your oncologist.

This article from medicalnewstoday.com does a great job explaining SFN.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/small-fiber-neuropathy
But my goodness, you’re downplaying the report of your doctor yesterday that you have been diagnosed with cancer. I’m so glad you came to Mayo Connect. We have many amazing support groups in the forum with members who have faced pretty much every diagnosis. We’re here to walk you through this.
So that I can connect you with someone who has received similar news, would you mind sharing what your type of cancer you have?

gently | @gently | Aug 14 9:52am

Sherry, cancer can cause small fiber neuropathy (paraneuroplastic syndrome). It is seen in lymphoma, myeloma and lung cancers. The cancer itself can produce neurotoxic substances. How were you diagnosed?

sherryanne1959 | @sherryanne1959 | Aug 14 1:15pm

My Primary Dr. Did a rash of Blood work on me last Wednesday... Monday Morning he called me Himself with the news that the markers for Cancer were off the Chart and thar he wad referring me immediately to Oncology...

sherryanne1959 | @sherryanne1959 | Aug 14 1:17pm

The Cancer Center here in Elkins WV... called yesterday Morning to make an appointment with me ... it is next Tuesday... was first appointment they had... so there you have it...

sherryanne1959 | @sherryanne1959 | Aug 14 1:18pm

Not sure what type of Cancer yet... hope to find that our on Tuesday the 20th...

sherryanne1959 | @sherryanne1959 | Aug 14 1:21pm

My Dr. was very concerned...

sherryanne1959 | @sherryanne1959 | Aug 14 1:27pm

I have NOT felt good... very weak and always tired... taking naps 3-4 times daily... when I NEVER have... unaccountable reason for lots of bruises... an oextreme amount of evening pain in my left leg and both my arms... this has been going on for about 4 months now.... finally took it to my Dr.