What will happen if my doctor thinks I have MSCC? These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but it's still important to get medical advice straight away in case you do have MSCC. You might not be able to empty your bladder or bowel, or you might have no control over emptying them.

Problems controlling your bladder or bowel.

Numbness or tingling (pins and needles) in your legs, arms, fingers, toes, buttocks, stomach area or chest that doesn’t go away.

You might feel unsteady on your feet or feel as if your legs are giving way.

Weakness or loss of control of your arms or legs, or difficulty standing or walking.

Pain that moves down your arms or legs.

A narrow band of pain around your chest or abdomen (stomach area) that can move towards your back, buttocks or legs.

It may wake you at night or stop you from sleeping. It might get worse when you cough, sneeze, lift or strain, go to the toilet, or lie down. The pain might be severe or get worse over time.

Pain or soreness in your lower, middle or upper back or neck.

MSCC can cause any of the following symptoms. What symptoms do I need to watch out for? Remember, there are treatments available and getting treatment straight away can lower the risk of this happening, or of it being permanent.ĭownload Metastatic spinal cord compression fact sheet This could mean you can’t walk or use your arms or legs normally. For example, you may be less able to walk and move around.Īt its worst, MSCC can cause nerve damage and even paralysis. This can cause a range of symptoms that can get worse if left untreated. They also help control body temperature and how your internal organs work.Ĭancer cells pressing on the spinal cord can cause problems with how these messages are carried. These messages allow you to move and to feel things like heat, cold, touch or pain. The nerves carry messages between your brain and all parts of the body. It runs from your brain down through your spine. The spinal cord is a long, thin bundle of nerves and other cells. You might hear it called malignant spinal cord compression or spinal cord compression.

MSCC happens when cancer cells that have spread from the prostate grow in or near to the spine and press on the spinal cord. What is metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Spine cancer