Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Publication date: July 2016 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics, Volume 5, Issue 3 Author(s): Nicole WhiteTeaser Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) occurs in up to 6% of patients with malignancy when metastases in the epidural space compress the spinal cord. MSCC causes back pain and neurologic impairment and ultimately progresses to complete loss of motor, sensory, and sphincter function. Rapid progression of symptoms and loss of neurologic function renders MSCC an oncologic emergency typically necessitating hospital admission; a multidisciplinary approach to management involving surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology specialists is needed. Hospitalists are increasingly likely to care for patients with MSCC and should be well versed in diagnosis and management of this condition.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research