Evidence for an immune response to tumors in humans includes the observations that lymphohistiocytic infiltrates of tumors and increased blood NK levels are associated with improved survival. Cachexia is a profound weight loss occurring as a response to cancer mediated primarily by TNF- a and other cytokines. Gross photo of liver shows massive involvement by metastatic colon adenocarcinoma. Note pale are of obstructive pneumonia near tumor. Hypercalcemia commonly results due to local bone destruction, rather than systemic paraneoplastic effects.
Photomicrograph demonstrates typical appearance of small cell undifferentiated pulmonary carcinoma.
Note hyperchromatic nuclei with sparse cytoplasm. Malignant neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, duodenum and pancreas are the most common cause of this syndrome. Altered coagulability due to release of tumor-related substances is common in cancer patients, especially those with adenocarcinomas. Gross photograph showing large fatal pulmonary embolus in patient with colonic adenocarcinoma. Photograph of hands of patient with clubbing of the fingers due to hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy.