Thoracic laminectomy with spinal fixation in a nonambulatory patient with metastatic vertebral tumor from endometrial carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

Vertebral metastasis from endometrial cancer is a rare event and requires emergency treatment at the onset of neurologic symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. We report a case of a metastatic vertebral tumor, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification, of stage IVb endometrial cancer with multiple lung metastases. Emergency irradiation to the spinal tumor was conducted as a result of a loss of ambulation. Thoracic laminectomy with spinal fixation was subsequently performed because the patient remained nonambulatory and her neurological function deteriorated. Spinal decompression surgery enabled her to regain the ability to walk. Complete remission was achieved by subsequent pelvic surgery followed by combined chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel and carboplatin. Finally, the patient had no evidence of disease 45 months after the initial treatment. Early recognition and expeditious treatment is crucial for neurological recovery from metastatic spinal cord compression.