title: An Unusual Case of Cauda Equina Secondary to Spinal Metastasis of Thyroid Cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cauda equina secondary to metastatic follicular thyroid cancer of the lumbosacral area is a rare entity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report an unusual case of a 52-year-old male who presented with backache, lower limb weakness, and perianal numbness. A CT-scan of the lumbosacral area showed an enhancing mass at the L4, L5 and S1 vertebrae. Histopathology after excision revealed a metastatic thyroid cancer. Hence, a CT scan of the neck and chest was performed which showed a nodule in the left lobe of the thyroid and a mass in the left chest wall. A total thyroidectomy and excision of the chest wall lesion was undergone, which was diagnosed as a follicular carcinoma of the thyroid.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Metastatic workup of spinal metastasis should include evaluation of the thyroid gland.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Shabbir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhtar
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adeel
keywords: Differentiated thyroid cancer; Follicular thyroid cancer; Metastasis; Spine; Vertebrae