Nephrotic syndrome is associated with which cancers?

• A. Colon cancer only
• B. Breast cancer only
• C. Lung cancer only
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Nephrotic syndrome can be a paraneoplastic phenomenon, meaning it can occur in association with an underlying malignancy. In adults, membranous nephropathy is the glomerular disease most commonly linked to solid tumors, and several solid cancers have been reported in association with nephrotic-range proteinuria. Among these, cancers such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer are frequently cited. Because a range of solid tumors can be involved, nephrotic syndrome may be seen with different cancers, making “all of the above” the best answer.

Context: this association doesn’t imply every case of nephrotic syndrome is due to cancer, but in patients with risk factors or new nephrotic-range proteinuria, especially older adults, evaluating for an underlying malignancy is clinically relevant.