Unusual case of cystic cerebellar metastasis from breast cancer

ABSTRACT

Cerebellar metastasis in a 70-year-old female is reported. She was admitted with a 1-month history of vertigo and unsteadiness of gait. There was no history suggestive of raised intracranial pressure. Except for cerebellar signs on right side, she had no other neurological deficit. Systemic examination revealed no abnormality except for a 3cm mobile lump under the nipple that was present for last 10 years without increasing in size. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed a cystic tumour 3 x 3 cm diameter in right cerebellar hemisphere with a possible diagnosis of haemangioblastoma. The lesion was excised and she had an uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed a metastatic carcinoma of the breast. After two months she underwent modified radical mastectomy. She received deep x-ray therapy for the brain and the breast. Follow-up 6 months later showed no neurological deficits or local recurrence