Spinal cord disease in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Spinal cord disease is not uncommon in patients with systemic cancer. Most cases are due to epidural tumor metastases with resulting cord compression, although intramedullary spinal cord metastases, radiation myelopathy, and myelopathic complications of chemotherapy must be considered.

RECENT FINDINGS

Techniques for surgical decompression of the spinal cord in patients with epidural tumor have improved significantly over the past decade. Several studies have demonstrated improved neurologic outcome in a subset of patients with epidural spinal cord compression treated surgically.

SUMMARY

This article outlines the clinical features, radiographic findings, and differential diagnosis of spinal cord disease in patients with cancer and describes the therapeutic approach to these patients. Early identification and treatment of patients with epidural spinal cord compression is critical to maintaining neurologic function and preserving quality of life.