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Article: Diagnosis and Treatment of Vertebral Column Metastases
- Article from:
- Mayo Clinic Proceedings
- Article date:
- September 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Sep 2005. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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The vertebral column is recognized as the most common site for bony metastases in patients with systemic malignancy. Patients with metastatic spinal tumors may present with pain, neurologic deficit, or both. Some tumors are asymptomatic and are detected during screening examinations. Treatment options include medical therapy, surgery, and radiation. However, diversity of patient condition, tumor pathology, and anatomical extent of disease complicate broad generalizations for treatment. Historically, surgery was considered the most appropriate initial therapy in patients with spinal metastasis with the goal of eradication of gross disease. However, such an aggressive approach has not been ...