Department of Neurology
February 27, 1986
3-878-622
Fred Johnson
206 East Ligustrum
Robstown, Tx. 78491
Dear Fred,
Once again I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and the other members of you family. The autopsy that you kindly permitted has revealed several abnormalities but the should be regarded as preliminary and macroscopic and further macroscopic as well as microscopic studies are pending on all of the tissues.
The thoracic portion of the spinal cord was extensively involved by tumorous process. This grew around and literally encircled the spinal cord and also invaded the substance of the spinal cord over a number of levels. In the lumbar region there were small nodules of tumor affecting many of the nerve roots. This would be an area bordering the medulla.
At this point, I think it safe to presume that the tumorous involvement of the thoracic region was primarily responsible for paraplegia. Further studies of the tissues may provide additional information.
This type of cancer is often referred to as carcinomatous meningitis. This is a late complication of cancer with an average survival of 4-6 weeks.
As soon as I have any additional information, I will write to you again. If you have any questions or if I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Achmed F. Hymerstaph M.D.
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