Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC)

Question 1

What is Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Answer 1

Metastases = secondary malignant growths that develop at a different site to the primary cancer

Cancer cells from the primary site can travel through the blood or lymphatic system to form new tumours

Question 2

What are the most common primary cancers to metastasise to the spine?

Answer 2

• Lung
• Breast
• Prostate

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Answer 3

• New + persistent localised back or neck pain
• Chest wall pain or other unexplained atypical pain
• Severe pain in lower back that gets worse or doesn’t go away
• Pain in the back that is worse when coughing, sneezing or straining
• Back pain that is worse at night
• Numbness, heaviness, weakness or difficulty using arms or legs
• A band of pain around the chest or abdomen or pain down an arm or leg
• Changes in sensation (e.g.: pins and needles or electric shock sensations)
• Numbness in the area around the saddle area
• Not being able to empty the bowel or bladder
• Problems controlling the bowel or bladder

Question 4

Where is spinal metastasis most commonly found?

Answer 4

Thoracic Vertebrae
(but can be present in other areas of the spine + the local cord & soft tissues)