Cauda equina compression in breast cancer--incidence and treatment outcome.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Metastatic breast cancer compression of the cauda equina and long-term survival of patients are infrequent occurrences. Beneficial responses can be mediated by radiotherapy.
Ampil
F L
FL
Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
Burton
G V
GV
Mills
G M
GM
Jawahar
A
A
Pelser
R
R
Nanda
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D002420:Cauda Equina; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D010166:Palliative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D015996:Survival Rate