Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Relationship — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Activate the MSCC pathway and obtain MRI within 24 hours
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D
D is correct. Neurological symptoms with spinal metastases are an oncological emergency: immediately contact the MSCC coordinator, protect mobility according to stability and obtain MRI as soon as possible and always within 24 hours. A and E use inadequate initial imaging, while B and C introduce unsafe delays. Analgesia and corticosteroid decisions occur alongside, not instead of, the emergency pathway.
Reference: NICE NG234: spinal metastases and MSCC: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng234/chapter/Recommendations