Spinal cord compression as an emergency in oncology

Roman Makarewicz; Agnieszka Żyromska

Vol 1, No 2 (2002): Polish Palliative Medicine

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Published online: 2002-06-04

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Spinal cord compression as an emergency in oncology

Roman Makarewicz, Agnieszka Żyromska

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2002;1(2):67-70.

Vol 1, No 2 (2002): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2002-06-04

Abstract

Spinal cord compression (SCC) is the most frequent neurological complication of systemic cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment are the most important factors influencing on prognosis. Diagnostics should be performed immediately when the history and neurological examination suggest SCC. The modality of choice is magnetic resonance imaging which is also extremely useful in treatment planning. The management of SCC should be undertaken promptly and individualized according to patient’s specific circumstances. Corticosteroids, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the conventional treatment methods.