30th December 2024

Pathophysiology of MSCC

MSCC tends to arise in tumour types that spread to or originate from bone (Table 9). It may be the first presenting feature of malignancy, particularly in tumour types that readily metastasise to bone, e.g. prostate, breast, myeloma.

Most commonly, MSCC is caused by tumour soft tissue extension into the canal space or by vertebral fractures and/or bone propulsion into the canal. Less commonly, the spinal cord may be compressed by other routes, such as progressive lymphadenopathy or extension from extradural (non bone-related) masses.