Malignant spinal cord compression: prospective study of delays in referral and treatment

• Published in: BMJ Vol. 317; no. 7150; pp. 18 - 21
• Main Author: Husband, D J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 04.07.1998; British Medical Association; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group; British Medical Journal
• Edition: International edition
• Subjects: Cancer Care Facilities; Catheters; Delayed diagnosis; Health care; Hospital units; Humans; Medical referrals; Medical research; Motor ability; Movement Disorders - etiology; Oncology; Patient medical history; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; Spinal cord; Spinal cord compression; Spinal Cord Compression - complications; Spinal Cord Compression - diagnosis; Spinal Cord Compression - therapy; Spinal cord injuries; Spinal Cord Neoplasms - complications; Spinal Cord Neoplasms - diagnosis; Spinal Cord Neoplasms - therapy; Symptoms; Time Factors; Urinary bladder; Urinary Bladder Diseases - etiology

Abstract Objectives: To examine the delay in presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant spinal cord compression and to define the effect of this delay on motor and bladder function at the time of treatment. Design: Prospective study of all new patients presenting to a regional cancer centre...