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.

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.