Neuroophthalmology meets oncology: a case report

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and metastasis occurs in approximately 10% of the patents. A 69-year-old woman with past medical history of breast cancer came to her outpatient ophthalmologic clinic for follow-up evaluation of glaucoma. Upon evaluation the patient complained of ataxia, tinnitus, and headaches. Her visual field analysis showed a left homonymous hemianopsia. An MRI was ordered showing an intra-parenchymal lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere. The visual signs were not compatible with the lesion on the cerebellum, but the MRI evidenced no other lesions in the optic tract. Our case report reminds physicians the importance and sensitivity of radiologic studies, the evaluation of neurologic symptoms in patients with history of breast cancer making co-management of these patients of utmost importance.