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©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Oncol. Aug 10, 2014; 5(3): 263-271
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.263
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.263
Diagnosis and surgical management of breast cancer metastatic to the spine
Derek G Ju, Alp Yurter, Ziya L Gokaslan, Daniel M Sciubba, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
Author contributions: Ju DG and Sciubba DM designed the research; Ju DG and Yurter A performed the research; Ju DG, Yurter A, Gokaslan ZL and Sciubba DM contributed new analysis; Ju DG and Sciubba DM wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Daniel M Sciubba, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 5-185a, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States. dsciubb1@jhmi.edu
Telephone: +1-410-9554424 Fax: +1-410-5023399
Received: December 29, 2013
Revised: April 19, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Revised: April 19, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bone and has a particular affinity for the spine. The treatment for symptomatic spinal metastases remains palliative and is not intended to prolong survival. Surgical advances in the last few decades have allowed improved spinal cord decompression and tumor resection. With the support of recent literature, the trend has shifted towards using more advanced surgical options in appropriately selected patients. Goals of treatment include restoration of and preservation of neurological function, maintaining spinal stability, and pain relief in an effort to achieve a better quality of life.