A variety of tumors may cause spinal cord compression. Primary spinal tumors are relatively rare in the adult with an incidence of 1800-2000 per year in the United States. Metastatic tumors to the spine have an incidence of approximately 22,000 per year. The most common tumors to spread and cause spinal cord compression are lung, breast, and prostate cancer. The symptoms of spinal cord compression correspond directly to the area of the spinal cord that is being compressed.
Back pain is the most common presenting symptom.
However, patients may also complain of weakness in the extremities and sensory changes. These symptoms can progress to loss of bowel and bladder control, loss of sensation below the level of the tumor, and paralysis. Progression of symptoms can be relatively rapid, thus prompt evaluation and treatment is mandatory. A physician performs a complete history and physical exam, with special attention to the neurologic examination. If the physician is suspicious that a spinal cord compression may be present, an emergent MRI scan of the spine is performed.