Open AccessSpinal Extradural Metastasis: Review of Current Treatment Options
Author(s) -
Bartels Ronald H. M. A.,
van der Linden Yvette M.,
van der Graaf Winette T. A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
ca: a cancer journal for clinicians
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 62.937
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1542-4863
pISSN - 0007-9235
DOI - 10.3322/ca.2007.0016
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , malignancy , life expectancy , radiation therapy , bone metastasis , surgery , cancer , metastasis , radiology , intensive care medicine , population , physics , environmental health , optics
Bone metastases, especially to the spine, are frequently encountered during the course of a malignancy. Due to a worldwide increase of cancer incidence and to a longer life expectancy of patients with cancer, a rise in incidence of bone metastases is observed. A brief historical overview is the base of a review of current treatment options. Despite new developments in the surgical and radiotherapeutic fields, as well as in medical oncology, external beam radiotherapy is the cornerstone of the treatment of spinal metastases. In selected cases, surgical treatment is a proven option. Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty can also be considered. Supportive medical care does not differ from that given for symptomatic lesions to the skeletal system elsewhere in the body. After discussing the treatment options, an algorithm is given.