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Presenting symptoms of neoplastic spinal cord compression
1Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, St. Leonards, Australia.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Neoplastic spinal cord compression diagnosis is often delayed, especially with symptoms like back pain or leg weakness. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for timely intervention in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Neoplastic spinal cord compression (NSCC) is a serious complication of cancer.
- Delayed diagnosis of NSCC can lead to irreversible neurological deficits.
- Understanding common symptoms and diagnostic delays is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review presenting symptoms of NSCC.
- To identify factors associated with delayed diagnosis.
- To analyze the time to diagnosis in patients with NSCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 28 patients with NSCC.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms and time to diagnosis.
- Correlation of specific symptoms with diagnostic delays.
Main Results:
- Most common symptoms: back pain (68%), bilateral leg weakness (61%), urinary retention (36%), bilateral leg numbness (32%).
- Only 7% diagnosed within one week of symptom onset.
- Delayed diagnosis was associated with back pain (50%), bilateral leg weakness (38%), unilateral leg weakness/pain (100%), ataxic gait (80%), and neck/chest/arm symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Back pain and leg weakness are common but often delayed signs of NSCC.
- Certain symptoms, including unilateral leg weakness and neck/chest/arm symptoms, are highly indicative of delayed diagnosis.
- Prompt recognition and workup of these symptoms are essential for improving outcomes in NSCC patients.