# Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis of Breast Cancer in a Male: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of breast cancer in a male that spread to the spinal cord, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and thorough investigations.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of intradural extramedullary spinal cord metastasis from breast cancer in an African male.

## Key findings

- The case involved L1–L2 metastasis with sphincter dysfunction and a subsequent relapse leading to mortality.
- Late presentation likely contributed to worsening symptoms and poor prognosis.
- The case emphasizes the need for prompt healthcare access and thorough investigations in breast cancer patients with neurological symptoms.

## Abstract

Breast cancer in males is rare, accounting for just 0.5% to 1% according to World Health Organization data. This is the first reported case of IESCM from breast cancer in an African male, which makes it noteworthy. Furthermore, unlike previously reported cases in females, this case involved L1–L2 metastasis with sphincter dysfunction and a subsequent relapse leading to mortality, thereby expanding the documented spectrum of IESCM presentations and outcomes.

This is a case of a 77‐year‐old male with invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast and intradural extramedullary spinal cord metastasis diagnosed via Magnetic Resonance Imaging after presenting with neurological symptoms 4 years post‐mastectomy. He eventually passed away following a right Deep Venous Thrombosis, which led to bilateral pulmonary embolism after his second relapse.

Late presentation most likely contributed to the worsening of symptoms and poor prognosis. This report overstates the importance of prompt access to healthcare and the essence of thorough investigations, especially in breast cancer, where neurological symptoms may point to a metastatic diagnosis.