The Role of Vertebral Veins in the Dissemination of Prostatic Carcinoma

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Abstract
The concept that the vertebral system of veins acts as a direct conduit in the spread of prostatic carcinoma to the skeletal is based on the poorly documented observation that this tumor metastasizes preferentially to the pelivs, lumbar spine and sacrum. 99mTc bone scans were analyzed in patients with skeletal metastases from assorted primary tumors; the distribution of metastases was virtually identical in patients with prostatic and nonprostatic tumors. Of the patients with prostatic carcinoma, 25% had bone scan lesions exclusively outside the region of the sacrum, pelvis and lumbar spine. The distribution of skeletal metastases from prostatic carcinoma does not support the concept that the vertebral veins have a substantial role in the dissemination of this tumor.