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.

Cauda Equina Compression; Breast Cancer; Radiotherapy

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