Surgical treatment of spinal cord compression in patients with lung cancer Journal Article


Authors: Sundaresan, N.; Bains, M.; McCormack, P.
Article Title: Surgical treatment of spinal cord compression in patients with lung cancer
Abstract: We analyzed the clinical features, radiological findings, and results of surgical treatment in a series of 25 patients with lung cancer and invasion of the spine. In 12 of the 25 (40%) patients, involvement of the spine was present at the time of initial presentation of malignancy. Computed tomography revealed the presence of a large paravertebral soft tissue mass with destruction of adjacent ribs in the majority. The surgical approach consisted of an anterolateral exposure through a formal thoracotomy in 22 patients and a thoracoabdominal flank approach in the 3 patients with lumbar lesions. All gross tumor was resected from the involved paravertebral tissues, vertebral body, and epidural space. Immediate stabilization of the spine was then achieved with methyl methacrylate. Local brachytherapy (iridium-192 implants) was used in 19 patients. After treatment, 87% were ambulatory, and 67% maintained ambulation for more than 6 months. Our data suggest that compression of the spinal cord in many patients with lung cancer results from direct extension of tumor through the chest wall. Because the majority of such patients often have localized disease involving the spine, aggressive surgical treatment is indicated.
Keywords: major clinical study; computer assisted tomography; lung cancer; central nervous system; diagnosis; spinal cord compression; bone; surgery; therapy; computer analysis; vertebra body; spinal cord cancer; respiratory system; human; priority journal
Journal Title: Neurosurgery
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0148-396X
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer  
Date Published: 1985-03-01
Start Page: 350
End Page: 356
Language: English
DOI: 10.1227/00006123-198503000-00012
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 3982614
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 26 October 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Manjit S Bains
    338 Bains