Spinal cord compression happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure may be caused by a cancer that started in, or has spread into, the bones of the spine. Between 5 and 10 out of 100 people with cancer (5 to 10%) develop spinal cord compression. Most of these are due to cancer spreading to the spine from another part of the body (metastases). All types of cancer can spread to the bones of the spine. But it is more common in cancers of the prostate, breast or lung, and lymphoma. Your doctor will tell you if you have an increased risk of this happening. Apart from cancer, other causes of spinal cord compression include injury to the spinal cord, weakening of the bones (Osteoporosis) and infection.

Pressure on the spinal cord stops the nerves working normally and causes symptoms. The symptoms you have depend on which part of the spinal cord is compressed (squeezed). Spinal cord compression is a serious problem that needs to be treated as soon as possible.

When spinal cord compression is caused by a cancer doctors call it malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC). If it is caused by a cancer that has spread into the spinal bones (secondary cancer) they call it metastatic spinal cord compression.

Who is at risk
You are at risk of developing spinal cord compression if you have cancer that
Has already spread to your bones
Is at high risk of spreading to the bones, such as breast, lung or Prostate Cancer
Started in the spine

What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any symptoms of spinal cord compression contact your doctor or specialist nurse straight away. Don’t wait to see if it gets better and don’t worry if it is an inconvenient time, such as at the weekend or during the night. You need to speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Explain what your symptoms are and tell them that you are worried you may have spinal cord compression. You should have been given information about who to contact if you have any symptoms.

Your doctor or nurse may want you to go to the hospital straight away for a scan. Your local area should have health professionals who coordinate care for people with spinal cord compression. You may be seen in a hospital that is not your usual hospital.