Hypophysectomy for severe spinal cord complications from breast carcinoma

Patients who develop metastatic lesions in the spinal column from breast carcinoma do suffer a great deal of pain. When spinal cord compression causes paralysis of limbs or sphincters, the quality of life deteriorates although they may live for many months. Decompressive laminectomy alone does not significantly alter their outlook. We have found that hypophysectomy either alone or in combination with laminectomy allows regression of these tumours in some cases. We have described six patients who have been submitted to hypophysectomy and only three of these have had decompressive laminectomy. The most important result of endocrine ablation has been the relief of intractable pain. Four paralysed patients began to walk again and the improvement in the quality of their life made the surgery well worth while.