Managing malignant spinal cord compression

Spinal malignancy can present as low back pain and accounts for most cases of spinal cord compression (SCC).

To assist the clinician in the diagnosis of malignant SCC and to increase awareness of various treatment modalities. A clinical approach for the workup of patients with 'metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary' is also outlined.

It is important to diagnose SCC early and initiate urgent treatment to obtain optimum patient outcomes. Further management includes workup for the primary tumour source if unknown.