This condition is an emergency situation. Rapid and effective treatment is essential in to prevent progressive and permanent paralysis and improve the long term prognosis. As is the case with primary tumors, metastatic tumors are treated with steroids. The agent used to treat both conditions is the glucocorticoid known as dexamethasone. Massive doses are often administered.
Focal irradiation is given.
Radiotherapy should be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made. In addition, recent studies have investigated the efficacy of surgery to alleviate the compression of the spinal cord. In such a surgery a portion of the vertebral column is removed. Surgical methods are aimed at relieving the compression of the spinal cord and thus reversing the symptoms associated with such a compression. Although this treatment would seem to make sense, however, many patients do not benefit.