Malignancy Involving the Spine

Abstract

The most common tumor in the spine is a metastatic tumor. Lung, breast, and prostate are the most common cancers that metastasize to the spine. To detect spinal metastases, a Technetium-99m bone scintiscan (radionuclide bone scan) is the radiologic study of choice. Both osteoporosis and metastasis can cause compression fractures, but osteoporosis will spare the posterior vertebral body and pedicles, whereas metastases might include this area. Lesions in the spine can be osteoblastic (bone forming) or osteolytic (bone destroying). The most common primary intramedullary lesion in adults is an ependymoma. In children, the most common primary intramedullary lesion is an astrocytoma.