Carcinomatous meningitis in small cell lung cancer.

Carcinomatous meningitis was diagnosed in 13% of our patients with small cell lung cancer. Although half the patients with this complication responded to treatment, the medium survival from diagnosis was only six weeks. Asymmetric peripheral neuropathy and urinary retention are very specific signs of carcinomatous meningitis. Their recognition may prompt an earlier diagnosis and the institution of more effective treatment.