Malignant Spinal Cord Compression

Recognising signs of malignant spinal cord compression.

My work at Christie Hospital involves caring for patients with malignancies, from those who are newly diagnosed, to those in the last days of their life. It is not uncommon for me to nurse a patient with compression of the spinal cord, which is why I chose to reflect on this article. The presenting signs of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) vary, although pain is often the earliest sympt...

Spinal-cord Compression in the Malignant Lymphomas.

Malignant fibrous histocytoma producing spinal cord compression.

Three cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma presented as primary paraspinal tumours causing extradural spinal cord compression. Study of these cases suggests that pain relief is considerable after laminectomy but pain may recur with further tumour growth. Total removal is unrealistic and diagnosis, difficult. The prognosis in terms of continuing neurological deficit after surgery followed by ...

Back Pain in Malignant Disease - Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression?

Be alert to possible spinal cord compression in patients who are at risk and who present with warning signs and symptomsMaintain a low threshold for further investigation of such patients and for discussing them with specialist colleaguesIf MSCC is suspected, commence high dose steroids (16mg dexamethasone orally in the morning) immediatelyEnsure imaging to confirm diagnosis of MSCC is carried ...

Malignant extradural spinal cord compression in men with prostate cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Malignant epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a dreaded complication of malignancy and is fortunately not common. Approximately 7% of men dying of prostate cancer will have at least one episode of MESCC during their lifetime. Treatment needs to be individualized and estimating the prognosis is critical to achieving a balance between effectiveness therapy and the burden...