First manic episode in a patient with breast cancer

Abstract

Mental disorders occur in as much as 50% of patients with cancer, impairing the oncologic prognosis and quality of life. the diagnostic investigation and treatment planning of this comorbidity impose a clinical challenge once complications related to the neoplasm, such as brain metastasis and paraneoplastic syndromes, must be excluded. in addition, psychotropic medications may interfere with oncologic treatment. We report the case of a 39-year-old female patient who presented with a first episode of psychotic mania after having been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Also, we present a literature review of this comorbidity and point out a possible pathophysiological link between the two diseases. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.