A profile of metastatic carcinoma of the spine.
1985Spine
Schaberg J, Gainor BJ
Plain English
This study looked at 322 patients with metastatic cancer to understand how often it spreads to the spine and its effects. They found that breast, lung, and prostate cancers were the most common sources of spine tumors, affecting 55% of patients, with the lower back being the most frequently impacted area. Surprisingly, 36% of patients with spinal lesions did not experience any back pain, and 20% had compression of the spinal cord, mostly from prostate cancer.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with metastatic cancer and their doctors by highlighting common symptoms and risks associated with spine metastases.