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Modeling Brain Metastases Through Intracranial Injection and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2020
Intracranial tumor-to-tumor metastasis in an elderly female: An unusual case report
Subhransu Kumar Hota1, Subhasis Mishra2, Sashibhusan Dash3
1Department of Pathology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Abstract:
Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is an extremely rare event, with only 150 reported cases in the literature. Meningioma, renal carcinoma, and tumors of the thyroid are the commonest sites of metastasis. Lung, breast, and GI-tract cancers are the most common types that undergo metastasis. Meningioma is the most common intracranial tumor as recipient of the tumor-to-tumor metastasis. Although breast carcinoma is the most common tumor to metastasize, adenocarcinoma from other organs can also spread to meningiomas, like the ovary and upper gastrointestinal (GI). We report a case of adenocarcinoma metastasis to meningioma with the possibility of primary involvement of the ovary or upper GI. A 77-year-old female patient presented to neurosurgery with episodes of multiple seizures and loss of consciousness. An MRI suggested a left frontotemporal meningioma. The patient underwent craniotomy with mass dissection. Microscopic examinations showed a dual tumor containing both components of meningioma with a metastatic adenocarcinomatous component. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK7). Thus, the final diagnosis was made as meningothelial meningiomas (WHO grade I) with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, possible primaries of the ovary or upper GI tract. The patient could not be followed up as we lost the patient a few days after surgery.
Insights
Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is rare, with adenocarcinoma spreading to meningioma being exceptionally uncommon. This case highlights a rare instance of ovarian or upper GI adenocarcinoma metastasizing to a meningioma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is an exceedingly rare phenomenon, with fewer than 150 cases documented.
- Meningiomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors to receive metastases, while lung, breast, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are common primary sources.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old female presented with seizures and loss of consciousness, revealing a left frontotemporal mass on MRI.
- Surgical resection and subsequent histopathological examination confirmed a dual tumor: a meningothelial meningioma (WHO grade I) admixed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Findings:
- Tumor cells tested positive for cytokeratin (CK7), supporting an adenocarcinoma origin.
- The metastatic adenocarcinoma's primary site was suspected to be the ovary or upper GI tract, given the rarity of other origins.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare tumor-to-tumor metastasis, specifically adenocarcinoma to meningioma.
- Highlights the importance of comprehensive histopathological analysis for accurate diagnosis and potential primary site identification in rare metastatic cases.

