Two cases of esophageal carcinoma metastatic to the pineal region with a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Metastasis to the pineal region is rare, and there are no previously reported cases of esophageal carcinoma metastatic to the pineal region.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We now present two cases of solitary esophageal carcinoma metastatic to the pineal region. In each case there was no evidence of disease progression at the primary site at the time of presentation, and neurologic symptoms were the first indication of recurrent disease. Both patients underwent infratentorial/supracerebellar resection of the pineal lesions and were subsequently referred for radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

These two cases emphasize that metastatic disease must be a likely differential consideration in a patient with a CNS lesion and a history of previous malignancy, even if the lesion is in an unusual location.