Turkish Neurosurgery 2016 , Vol 26 , Num 4
Lung Cancer Metastasis to the Spine
Ahmet Levent AYDIN1, Erhan EMEL2, Mehdi SASANI3, Cengiz GOMLEKSIZ4, Tunc OKTENOGLU3, Ali Fahir OZER5
1Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey
2Bakirkoy Mental and Nervous Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey
3American Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey
4Erzincan University, School of Medicine, Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Erzincan, Turkey
5Koc University, School of Medicine, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey
DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.8476-13.0 In patients affected by malignant tumors, spinal column metastases are frequent. The incidence varies between 30% and 70%. Lung cancer is the second most frequent cancer invading the spine in women, following breast cancer. All patients are under risk of symptomatic spinal cord compression. The prognosis is poor. Indications for surgery are progressive neurologic deficit, intractable pain, and impending vertebral fracture. Treatment is to preserve neurological functions, promote pain relief and provide functional improvement. Five patients, with symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression at the thoracic level secondary to lung cancer were operated on. Invasion of the spinal column was from neighbouring lung tissue by direct extension or through segmental arteries. The patients were evaluated regarding neurological status, pain and disability scores, tumor type, level, and surgical procedure. Lung cancer is an aggressive tumor. Patients with symptomatic spinal cord compression must be treated aggressively. With current spinal surgical techniques and a coordinated effort, the life expectancy and quality of these patients are extended. Keywords : Lung cancer, Vertebral metastases, Thoracic spine
Corresponding author : Mehdi Sasanı, sasanim@gmail.com