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 sy ndrome from metastatic disease. The median survival was eight months; ten ( 67%) survived for at least six months. Among the evaluable patients, pain w as completely relieved in eight of ten women; complete resolution of neurol ogic deficits was observed in five of nine patients. Conclusion: Metastatic breast cancer compression of the cauda equina and lo ng-term survival of patients are infrequent occurrences. Beneficial respons es can be mediated by radiotherapy.