Carcinoma polyarthritis manifestations and differential diagnosis

It has become clear over the past few years that the recent onset of arthritis can be an early manifestation of an occult malignancy. Indeed, the development of arthritis in the older patient will sometimes present a difficult differential for the concerned physician. In this paper, the author reviews an interesting patient presenting with arthritis apparently related to development of an adenocarcinoma of the colon. He reviews in some detail his own extensive experience with this problem as well as the differential diagnosis of arthritis in the elderly patient.

Duke Scholars

Author David S. Caldwell Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology