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Sinus involvement in breast cancer: case report.
D T Walker1, S Barbur, R Mathew
1Department of Otolaryngology, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, UK. david.walker9@nhs.net
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 26, 2013
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of metastatic breast cancer presenting solely as vision problems due to sphenoid sinus metastasis. It highlights the importance of considering sinus metastases in cancer patients, even after remission.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Metastatic breast cancer can present with rare neurological symptoms.
- The sphenoid sinus is an uncommon site for distant metastasis from breast cancer.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old female with a history of breast cancer developed diplopia (double vision).
- This was caused by a metastasis to the sphenoid sinus, affecting the lateral rectus muscle and leading to VIth cranial nerve palsy.
- This metastasis was the sole indicator of recurrent disease.
Findings:
- Sphenoid sinus metastasis can manifest as isolated cranial nerve palsy, specifically affecting the VIth nerve and causing lateral rectus palsy.
- This presentation is unique as it was the only sign of disseminated disease in a patient with a history of breast cancer.
Implications:
- Otolaryngologists and oncologists should consider metastatic disease to the paranasal sinuses, including the sphenoid sinus, in patients with a history of cancer.
- Visual disturbances in cancer patients require thorough investigation to rule out metastatic involvement, and potential side effects of treatments like tamoxifen should also be considered.
