Epidural spinal cord compression secondary to metastatic disease

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Abstract
Spinal cord compression secondary to metastatic disease is a potentially devastating, yet not life-threatening complication of advancing tumor progression. It is a true oncologic emergency whose outcome ranging from the maintenance of one's ambulatory status to complete paraplegia, is dependent upon the speed of diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Thus, nurses should maintain a high index of suspicion for this entity when caring for patients with bone metastases, especially those patients with breast, lung, and prostate cancer. This article will review the literature concerning the incidence, mechanisms of causation, and the signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression. In addition, the treatment modalities, including surgery and radiation therapy are presented. Finally, the role of the nurse in assessing and managing the patient with a spinal cord compression secondary to metastatic disease is presented.

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