A 65-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 2-week history of stabbing pain in her lower back. The pain radiates to the back of her right leg and is worse at night. She reports decreased sensation around her buttocks and inner thighs. During the last several days, she has had trouble urinating. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was treated with lumpectomy and radiation. Her only medication is anastrozole. Her temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 12/min, and blood pressure is 130/70 mm Hg. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Neoplastic spinal cord compression most commonly results from local extension of vertebral metastases into the epidural space.  Presenting symptoms typically include severe back pain (often worse at night), motor weakness, and/or sensory deficits.  Urinary and fecal retention or incontinence are common late-stage findings.

A 65-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because of a 2-Week