Spinal Metastasis

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2020

Authors

Gilani, Salaman
Zaman, Imaad

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Classification: TCOM DO Student (1st Year) Department: TCOM: Internal Medicine & Geriatrics Authors: Salaman Gilani; Imaad Zaman Background: Metastatic lung cancer is cancer that originated in the lungs, but cancer cells separated from the main tumor are transmitted via lymphatic or hematologic pathways to other sites of the body. When a broken cell finds an attachment site it can begin to proliferate and form another mass with the same properties as the original tumor, often invading into the spaces of other organs and structures into the body. This can impair homeostasis and cause varying degrees of discomfort or pathologies. Lung cancers most often metastasize to nervous system structures (47%), bones (39%), and the liver (35%). Approximately two-thirds of patients with cancer will form a metastasis later on. Case Information: During dissection of an 80 year old male cadaver a spinal metastasis was found at the articulation of the 7th rib and the 7th thoracic vertebra. Conclusion: This report aims to further information regarding metastases to the spine from lung cancer. This pathology in our cadaver was selected due to its rarity and the opportunity it presents to learn about uncommon metastatic cancers. This metastasis was diverting the vena cava and thoracic duct in addition to displacing the spine from its resting position. Spinal metastases can cause pain, stability issues of the spine and depending on how far into the spine the cancer has invaded, can also present with neurological issues.

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