Spinal cord compression: with special reference to metastatic epidural tumors.

摘要: Compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina is an increasingly important problem in cancer patients. The most common primary tumors are carcinoma breast women and lung men. Metastases invade epidural space by extension from involved vertebrae, growth through intevertebral foramina, hematogenous dissemination. Pain usual initial symptom, followed progressive sensory, motor, sphincteric dysfunction. Appropriate x-ray films spine positive patients, complete myelographic examination to delineate exact location extent compression essential. Patients generally require emergency management; results treatment depend primarily on neurologic status at time diagnosis. Corticosteroids should be administered effort reduce compressive edema. Decompressive laminectomy radiation therapy indicated for patients with unknown cause, relapse during after therapy, certain radioresistant tumors. Primary lymphoma some carcinoma.