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. 2020 Nov 18;7(Suppl 1):i5-i9.
doi: 10.1093/nop/npaa046. eCollection 2020 Nov.

Epidemiology of spinal cord and column tumors

Joshua T Wewel  1 , John E O'Toole  2
Affiliations

Epidemiology of spinal cord and column tumors

Joshua T Wewel et al. Neurooncol Pract. .

Abstract

The spine is a frequent location for metastatic disease. As local control of primary tumor pathology continues to improve, survival rates improve and, by extension, the opportunity for metastasis increases. Breast, lung, and prostate cancer are the leading contributors to spinal metastases. Spinal metastases can manifest as bone pain, pathologic fractures, spinal instability, nerve root compression, and, in its most severe form, spinal cord compression. The global extent of disease, the spinal burden, neurologic status, and life expectancy help to categorize patients as to their candidacy for treatment options. Efficient identification and workup of those with spinal metastases will expedite the treatment cascade and improve quality of life.

Keywords: bone metastasis; metastasis; spinal cord compression; spine.

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