# Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)

Source: https://onco.cc/terms/metastatic-spinal-cord-compression/  
OnCo record `metastatic-spinal-cord-compression` (Term). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

Cancer in or near the spine pressing on the spinal cord: an emergency, because delay makes the damage permanent.

## Summary

About 4 in 100 people with prostate cancer develop it, and the risk is highest once the cancer has reached the spine. The warning signs are new or worsening back or neck pain, a band of pain around the chest or abdomen, weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, unsteadiness, and loss of control of the bladder or bowel. NICE NG234 treats it as an oncological emergency in anyone with a past or current cancer diagnosis and asks for an MRI within 24 hours, with dexamethasone and lying flat while the diagnosis is made.

## Fields

- Kind: Term
- Last checked: 2026-09-25
- Also known as: MSCC; spinal cord compression; cord compression

## Sources

- NICE NG234: spinal metastases and metastatic spinal cord compression, recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng234/chapter/Recommendations
- Prostate Cancer UK: metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC): https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/advanced-prostate-cancer/metastatic-spinal-cord-compression-mscc

## Connected records

- cancers: [Prostate cancer](https://onco.cc/cancers/prostate/)

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JSON: https://onco.cc/api/v1/entities/metastatic-spinal-cord-compression.json