Brain metastases of breast cancer: experience of the neurosurgery department of Oran University Hospital

Introduction: Brain metastases are the most common brain tumors in adults. Breast cancer is the leading cause of brain metastases in women. The frequency of cerebral metastases secondary to breast cancer is clearly increasing due to the improvement of medical imaging techniques (CT, MRI) and the lengthening of the lifespan of women with breast cancer. The objective of our work is to study the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of brain metastases of breast cancer treated surgically. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of women operated on for brain metastases from breast cancer at the neurosurgery department of Oran University Hospital between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2020. Results: A total of 18 patients operated on for brain metastases from breast cancer were collected during 66 months. The mean age of the cases was 50 ± 13 years, with extremes ranging from 25 years to 83 years. Intracranial hypertension syndrome was the most frequent mode of disclosure. All cases received surgical treatment. The postoperative consequences were favorable in 17 patients and only one patient died immediately after surgery. Conclusion: The secondary cerebral localization of breast cancer is frequent. Brain imaging should be requested for any suggestive neurological symptoms. Neurosurgery ensures a better quality of life for the patients treated.