Brain metastases from cervical carcinoma

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement by cervical carcinoma is uncommon. Out of 1,184 patients registered for invasive cervical carcinoma at our institution between 1982 and 1994, 14 (1.18%) developed brain metastases. Median age at the time of CNS metastasis diagnosis was 52 years. Median interval between diagnosis of cervical cancer and documentation of brain involvement was 18 months. Clinical manifestation included motor weakness, headache, seizures, dizziness and visual disturbances. All lesions (8 multiple, 6 single) were contrast enhanced on computerized tomography scans and were located in the cerebrum (n = 10), in the cerebellum (n = 2), or in both (n = 2). The CNS was the only site of detectable disease in 7 patients with recurrent disease. Eleven patients received only steroids, and 3 patients received radiotherapy. All 14 patients died, and median survival from diagnosis of brain metastases for the entire series was 4 months (range, 1-21). CNS metastases from cervical cancer are rare, and the prognosis for such patients appears poor.