Optimal management of malignant epidural spinal cord compression

Hai Sun; Andrew N Nemecek

doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2010.03.011

Optimal management of malignant epidural spinal cord compression

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2010 Jun;24(3):537-51. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2010.03.011.

Authors

Hai Sun¹, Andrew N Nemecek

Affiliation

¹ Department of Neurological Surgery, CH8N, Oregon Health and Science University, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA.

PMID: 20488352
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2010.03.011

Abstract

Malignant epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a common neurologic complication of cancer. MESCC is a medical emergency that needs rapid diagnosis and treatment to prevent undergo emergent evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging of the entire spine. If MESCC is diagnosed, corticosteroids should be administered. Simultaneously, spine surgery and oncology teams should be immediately consulted. If indicated, patients should undergo maximal tumor resection and stabilization, followed by postoperative radiotherapy. Emerging treatment options such as stereotactic radiosurgery and vertebroplasty may be able to provide some symptomatic relief for patients who are not surgical candidates.