[Spinal cord compression by testicular germ cell tumor: case report].

Abstract

Malignant spinal cord compression occurs in 2.5% - 5% cancer patients. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are critical for pain control and improvement of any neurological deficit. Treatment should be directed to the underlying disease together with appropriate symptom management. The case of a man with tetraparesis of 24 hours duration is presented. He had surgery five days earlier because of a testicular tumor and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal cord compression by a soft tissue mass between C7 and D2. After confirming the diagnosis of mixed germ cell tumor, stage IIIC, the patient began chemotherapy with progressive neurological improvement. Two years after diagnosis the patient presents a slight reduction of strength in the right hand and remains without any evidence of disease. This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis of spinal cord compression and one of the main indications for the use of chemotherapy as the treatment for an oncologic emergency.

• Authors: Fernanda Estevinho, Nuno Sousa, Ângelo Rodrigues, Eduarda Carneiro, João Souto, Rosa Begonha, Joaquina Maurício
• Journal: Acta medica portuguesa (Acta Med Port) 2012 Nov-Dec Vol. 25 Issue 6 Pg. 461-5 ISSN: 1646-0758 [Electronic] Portugal
• Vernacular Title: Compressão medular por tumor de células germinativas do testículo.
• PMID: 23534600 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Back
• Humans
• Male
• Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal (complications, secondary)
• Soft Tissue Neoplasms (complications, secondary)
• Spinal Cord Compression (etiology)
• Testicular Neoplasms (complications, secondary)