What is a metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the brain and to the lower part of the back, and has important roles in functions such as movement, bladder and bowel functioning, sensations of touch, pain, and temperature.
Spinal cord compression occurs when there is pressure on the spinal cord, which can stop the nerves functioning normally. This can occur when cancer grows in the bones of the spine or in surrounding tissues of the spinal cord.
Between 5-10% of cancer patients develop a spinal cord compression. Almost any type of cancer can spread to the spine. However, patients are at a high risk of developing a spinal cord compression if the cancer: has already spread to the bone (known bone metastases), and have a cancer such as prostate, breast, lung and myeloma which have a higher risk of spreading to the bone.
If MSCC are not diagnosed/treated urgently, damage to the spinal cord can lead to permanent paralysis.
It is therefore important that patients with known bone metastases are aware of red flag symptoms of Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression to look out for.
Most common symptoms include:
- New or persistent worsening back or neck pain
- Cervical or thoracic pain
- Lumbar or sacral pain
- Spinal pain aggravated by straining (on movement, lifting, coughing or sneezing)
- Localized spinal tenderness
- Pain that keeps the patient awake at night
- ‘Band-like’ pain around the chest or abdomen
- Pain spread into the lower back/buttocks/legs
If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of a metastatic spinal cord compression please contact your specialist care team as soon as possible.
Macmillan Cancer Support- malignant spinal cord compression – information for patients. Available to download from the following links:
MSCC leaflet – information for patients