Metastases in the cervical spine from primary head and neck cancers: current concepts of diagnosis and management

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2016 Source:British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Author(s): S.D. Colbert, S. Ramakrishna, J.R. Harvey, P.A. Brennan Vertebral metastases from primary head and neck cancers are uncommon, and so there are no clear guidelines about management. The spinal cord can be compressed by a vertebral fracture or invasion of a tumour, and may present as an oncological and spinal emergency. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and maintain neurological function. However, surgical treatments in this group of patients have not been defined, and primary operative treatment of spinal metastases remains controversial. Here we discuss their contemporary management. Surgical options should be considered for treatment to achieve stability of the spine, relieve pain, and preserve neurological function in certain cases.
Source: British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research