[Metastatic spinal cord compression syndrome]

Metastatic spinal cord compression can be due to the debut of cancer or terminally advanced disease, and symptoms are pain, limb weakness, hypoaesthesia and sphincter dysfunction. In patients with a cancer history, metastatic spinal cord compression must be suspected, which is why MRI is necessary. In case of neurological impairment, the patient must consult surgical and oncologic specialists at a university hospital, who can offer the best treatment, i.e. surgery in combination with radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Treatment gives higher one-year survival, preserved ambulatory function, increased life quality and less pain, as summarised in this review.