Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC).


METHODS
Published articles, book chapters, and research reports.


CONCLUSIONS
MESCC is a common oncologic emergency that requires prompt recognition and emergency treatment to relieve pain and preserve neurologic function. The signs and symptoms of MESCC are easily detected and can be integral assessment components of the nursing care of any patient with a solid tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses can have a dramatic impact on preventing neurologic complications caused by this oncologic metastatic problem. When neurologic compromise is not prevented or reversed, nurses also can provide expert care to patients and families in the rehabilitation phase of MESCC.
Bucholtz
J D
JD
Johns Hopkins Oncology Breast Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary; D015174:Epidural Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy