Maxillary sinus cancer and metastatic compression of the cauda equina: report of two cases

Maxillary sinus cancer with metastasis outside of the head and neck is a relatively rare occurrence. We describe two cases of carcinoma of the maxillary sinus that metastasized to the spine and compressed the cauda equina. In the first case, the neurological complication happened synchronously with the primary malignant neoplasm, while in the second instance, cauda equina compression occurred several months later. The treatment of metastatic compression of the cauda equina consisted mainly of radiotherapy, with palliation being achieved in one patient. Survival was expectedly short (3 months) for both individuals.