Cauda equina compression in breast cancer--incidence and treatment outcome. |
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| Authors: | F L Ampil G V Burton G M Mills A Jawahar R Pelser A Nanda |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA. |
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| Abstract: | PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and treatment outcome of compression of the cauda equina by metastatic disease in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at a single institution during a 16-year period was undertaken. RESULTS: Of the 1,283 patients studied, 15 (1.2%) developed cauda equina syndrome from metastatic disease. The median survival was eight months; ten (67%) survived for at least six months. Among the evaluable patients, pain was completely relieved in eight of ten women; complete resolution of neurologic deficits was observed in five of nine patients. CONCLUSION: Metastatic breast cancer compression of the cauda equina and long-term survival of patients are infrequent occurrences. Beneficial responses can be mediated by radiotherapy. |
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