Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.
Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) occurs when cancer metastasises to the spine or epidural space and causes secondary compression of the spinal cord. MESCC is a common complication of malignancy that affects almost 5% of patients with cancer. The most common symptom is back pain. MESCC is a medical emergency that needs rapid diagnosis and treatment if permanent paralysis is to be prevented: the diagnosis of MESCC is best made with MRI; and corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and surgery are all established treatments. Future research will focus on prevention, improving detection, and the development of new treatments.
Cole
John S
JS
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
Patchell
Roy A
RA
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009493:Neurosurgery; D011379:Prognosis; D011878:Radiotherapy; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones