Unknown Primary Tumor Sites in Spinal Metastasis

Abstract

Objective: The goal of the study was to report the prevalence of spinal metastasis with unknown primary tumor, clinical features, treatment results and patient survival. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 103 patients with spinal metastasis and epidural compression, who underwent surgical treatment between March 2009 and August 2015. The prevalence of metastatic spinal tumor with unknown primary tumor was evaluated, as well clinical features, survival and treatment results. Results: Of 103 patients with spinal metastasis and epidural compression, seven patients (6.8%) with unknown primary tumor site were identified; five (71.4%) male and two (28.6%) female, with ages ranging from 37 to 67 years (50.7 years). The metastasis was located in the thoracic spine in six of the patients (85.7%) and in the cervical spine in one (14.3%). The mean survival time was 44.8 days. Conclusion: Spinal metastasis with unknown primary tumor was found in 6.8% of patients. The prognosis and outcomes were poor, and patients had poor survival rates. Level of evidence III; Experimental study.

Evaluation of Epidemiological and Pathological Features of Symptomatic Spinal Metastases in Romania—What Could We Learn from a Retrospective Study?

“…The identification of the primary tumor is very important in the management of SM because it is of great value in selecting the best treatment option to obtain the longest possible patient survival, especially in cases with unknown primary tumor, when the tumor is small or asymptomatic [14]. Especially in these situations, but even in cases with already known cancer, without surgery there is no therapy available and the patient's survival is very low.…”