Spinal cord compression--a personal and palliative care perspective.

Malignant spinal cord compression is recognized as an oncological emergency. In spite of this, treatment in the U.K. varies widely from one area of the country to another. The reported survey shows that this variation is especially noticeable at weekends. Palliative care physicians and clinical nurse specialists working in the community are trained in the recognition of cord compression and are able to improve the early diagnosis and referral of these patients. In addition, they have an essential role in the follow-up of those who remain paraplegic.