DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0057

Pages: 906-910

Malignant Spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a common neurologic complication of advanced malignancies where neurologic function may be permanently compromised without immediate medical attention. We aim to review the symptoms and signs of malignant spinal cord compression in patients with malignancies so that patients and all health care professionals are aware of the early symptoms and signs of malignant spinal cord compression for early diagnosis and treatment so as to prevent permanent neurologic damage. From 2005 to 2011, 53 patients were hospitalised for spinal cord compression due to metastatic cancer. Data were obtained from medical notes, radiotherapy and radiology databases. 53 patients were surveyed, 32 (60.4%) were male while 21 (39.6%) were female. 21 (39.6%) had breast malignancy, 54.7% prostate, 1.9% soft tissue, and 3.8% renal cancer. 43(81.1%) had previous knowledge of malignancy while 10 (18.1%) did not. Only 1(1.9%) case was stage I, 13 (21.2% ) stage II, 14 (26.4%) stage III, 24 (45.3%) stage IV at the time of initial (diagnosis)presentation. Thirty five point nine percent (35.9%) had lumbar vertebrate cord compression, 24.53% had lumbar with thoracic vertebrae, 11.32% had lumbar with sacral, (1.9%) each for cervical and sacral vertebrates compression, while 3(5.7%) had metastatic deposit in all their vertebrae. 36 (67.9%) had radiotherapy, 15 (28.3%) chemotherapy with radiotherapy and 1 (1.9%) patient received neither. The time lapse between onset of symptoms and commencement of therapy is vital in determining the prognosis of malignant spinal cord compression.