Neck pain secondary to malignant disease/infection

This condition is treated in the Neurosurgery clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to referral standards and include in particular:

• Presence and duration of neurological symptoms and signs including evidence of lower limb spasticity
• Work status
• Weight loss, appetite loss and lethargy
• Fever and sweats
• Treatment to date
• Previous malignant disease
• General medical condition

Tests

Investigations (only if indicated):

• Plain x-ray & CT
• FBC/CRP & ESR
• Consider calcium and phosphate, protein
• electrophoresis, immunoglobulins, PSA
• Rheumatoid serology in specific cases
• Will require MRI (Neurosurgery to arrange)
• Prior to referral is CT? negative/normal

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Neurosurgery clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

• Contact Registrar on call for advice

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Significant Cord Compression with severe or rapidly progressive deficit

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Myelopathy

Urgent cases must be discussed with the Neurosurgery Registrar on call to obtain appropriate prioritisation and a referral faxed to (03) 6173 0491

We will endeavour to see these patients within 30 days, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Availability

North

All referrals and queries are to be directed to:

Launceston General Hospital
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941

North West

All referrals and queries are to be directed to:

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941

South

All referrals and queries are to be directed to:

Liverpool Clinics (Level 7)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941