Metastases of central nervous system neoplasms. Case report

J Neurosurg. 1988 May;68(5):811-6. doi: 10.3171/jns.1988.68.5.0811.

Abstract

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is a rare occurrence. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported, many being metastases from carcinomas to benign intracranial neoplasms, most often meningiomas. A case is presented of carcinoma metastatic to a glioma. The patient, who presented for evaluation of bifrontal headache, was found on computerized tomography to have a partially calcified right frontal mass. Craniotomy revealed an oligodendroglioma containing foci of adenocarcinoma. Further work-up disclosed an infiltrative ductal adenocarcinoma of the breast. It has been suggested that tumors of the central nervous system may provide a fertile substrate or an immunological "haven" for metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Oligodendroglioma / pathology*
  • Oligodendroglioma / surgery