Metastatic spinal cord compression. Clinical remarks.

BACKGROUND

Metastatic compression of the spinal cord is a frequent occurrence throughout the evolution of neoplastic disease. Possible clinical-diagnostic strategies and therapeutic management of this pathology are discussed in terms of survival and quality of life.

METHODS

The study includes 59 patients (40 males and 19 females, with an average age of 48.4 years) with metastatic spinal compression treated surgically in our centre (in some cases with stabilization of the spinal segment involved).

RESULTS

In 40 cases the localization of the primary tumor was known when the patient was admitted. The segment involved was the dorsal one in 41 cases. The most frequent type of tumor was pulmonary carcinoma in males and breast carcinoma in females. Average survival was 5.3 months. Treatment integrated by stabilization improved the quality of life in comparison to laminectomy alone. Survival was also influenced by the histological type and site of the primary tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment not only prolongs survival but, above-all, guarantees a satisfactory quality of life.