Tuberc Respir Dis.  2010 Nov;69(5):381-384.

Cavernous Sinus Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

• Ahn Y
• Yang JH
• Kim HJ
• Jang SE
• Jang YJ
• Kim HR
• Kim CH
• Choi SY
• Lee JC

Abstract

Progressive ptosis and headache developed in a 50-year-old woman with non-small cell lung cancer. Although brain magnetic resonance imaging showed improved cerebellar metastasis after prior radiotherapy without any other abnormality, the follow-up examination taken 6 months later revealed metastasis to the cavernous sinus. The diagnosis of metastasis to the cavernous sinus is often difficult because it is a very rare manifestation of lung cancer, and symptoms can occur prior to developing a radiologically detectable lesion. Therefore, when a strong clinical suspicion of cavernous sinus metastasis exists, thorough neurologic examination and serial brain imaging should be followed up to avoid overlooking the lesion.

Keyword

Lung Neoplasms; Cavernous Sinus; Neoplasm Metastasis

MeSH Terms

Brain
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Cavernous Sinus
Caves
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Headache
Humans
Lung Neoplasms
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Metastasis
Neuroimaging
Neurologic Examination

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Ptosis in the left eye. Drooping of left eyelid developed in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer 6 months after radiotherapy for cerebellar metastasis.

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  Figure 2 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showing cerebellar metastasis. (A) T1-weighted MRI of brain showed a large mass on right cerebellum (arrow). (B) The size of mass decreased 6 months after radiotherapy (arrow).

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  Figure 3 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showing left cavernous sinus mass. (A) There was no abnormality on both cavernous sinus on MRI obtained when the patient firstly complained of ptosis. (B) An elongated enhancing nodule appeared in left cavernous sinus after 6 months (arrow).

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