Primary Benign
	Primary Malignant
	Metastatic

The spine and it surrounding elements have a generous blood supply, draining many of the structures of the lower abdominal cavity by way of the system of veins called the Batson's Plexus. This venous plexus is felt to be the reason that certain intra-abdominal and pelvic tumors have a tendency to spread to the spine. The spread, or metastasis, of tumors to the spine from elsewhere in the body may occur after a cancer has been growing in another part of the body.

Tumors that have spread to the spine usually cause a significant amount of pain. If they are large enough, they may put pressure on the spinal cord, which causes increasing pain and loss of normal functioning in the bowel, bladder, and legs.

Metastatic cancer may not be curable, but the treatment goals are usually directed at relief from pain, decompression of the neural elements (removing the pressure that the tumor is placing on the spinal cord and nerves), and preserving the patient's quality of life as much as possible. Surgery, chemotherapy, and localized radiation therapy all play a role in reducing the pain associated with cancers that have spread to the spine.

Unless Noted Otherwise, All Articles and Graphics Copyright © 2008, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, All Rights Reserved.
Please review our Privacy Policy, Editorial Policy, Terms Of Use, Credits or Contact Us for more information. RSS Feed

We comply with the
HONcode standard for
trustworthy health
information: verify here.

The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.