title: Back Pain in Malignant Disease - Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression?
abstract: Be alert to possible spinal cord compression in patients who are at risk and who present with warning signs and symptomsMaintain a low threshold for further investigation of such patients and for discussing them with specialist colleaguesIf MSCC is suspected, commence high dose steroids (16mg dexamethasone orally in the morning) immediatelyEnsure imaging to confirm diagnosis of MSCC is carried out within 24 hours of clinical suspicionEnsure prompt treatment within 24 hours of diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Consultant in Palliative Medicine, North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 5RB.
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lawrie