Spinal Cord Compression by Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: Case Report

Authors

  • Fernanda Estevinho Serviço de Oncologia Médica. Instituto Português de Oncologia. Porto. Portugal.
  • Nuno Sousa Serviço de Oncologia Médica. Instituto Português de Oncologia. Porto. Portugal.
  • Ângelo Rodrigues Serviço de Anatomia Patológica. Instituto Português de Oncologia. Porto. Portugal.
  • Eduarda Carneiro Serviço de Radiologia. Instituto Português de Oncologia. Porto. Portugal.
  • João Souto
  • Rosa Begonha Serviço de Oncologia Médica. Instituto Português de Oncologia. Porto. Portugal.
  • Joaquina Maurício

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.1600

Abstract

Malignant spinal cord compression occurs in 2.5% - 5% cancer patients. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are critical for paincontrol and improvement of any neurological deficit. Treatment should be directed to the underlying disease together with appropriatesymptom 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 andspinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal cord compression by a soft tissue mass between C7 and D2. After confirmingthe diagnosis of mixed germ cell tumor, stage IIIC, the patient began chemotherapy with progressive neurological improvement. Twoyears 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 chemotherapyas the treatment for an oncologic emergency.

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Published

2013-01-28

How to Cite

1.
Estevinho F, Sousa N, Rodrigues Ângelo, Carneiro E, Souto J, Begonha R, Maurício J. Spinal Cord Compression by Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: Case Report. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2013 Jan. 28 [cited 2024 Nov. 16];25(6):461-5. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/1600