Selecting the Appropriate Radiation Therapy Technique for Malignant Spinal Cord Compression Syndrome

Spinal-cord Compression in the Malignant Lymphomas.

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...

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 ...

Adverse effects of the management of malignant spinal cord compression.

As a prelude to further work which attempts to improve the management of metastatic spinal cord compression the efficacy and adverse effects of existing therapy has been assessed. All papers dealing with the management of malignant spinal cord compression since 1960 have been reviewed. Data from this review is presented in a novel manner in order to identify not only the degree of successful re...

Spinal cord compression, an overview for radiation oncologists.

Spinal cord compression is a major cause of morbidity and or mortality in a cancer patient. This is one of the few oncologic emergencies, as delay in therapy leads to frank paralysis. Several key areas must be considered in the diagnosis and management of spinal cord compression. Because the outcome can be devastating, a diagnosis must be made early and treatment initiated promptly. The purpose...