Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression

摘要

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a devastating complication of cancer that occurs when cancer metastasises to the spine and then secondarily compresses the spinal cord. MESCC affects approximately 5-10% of all cancer patients [1-3], and those suffering from this condition have numerous quality of life problems such as incontinence, pressure sores, infections, and pain. If left untreated, virtually 100% of patients become paraplegic; therefore, MESCC is considered a medical emergency and immediate intervention is required.