European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (EJGO) is published by IMR Press from Volume 40 Issue 1 (2019). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.
Cauda equina compression in breast cancer -incidence and treatment outcome
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.