Which statement is true about the origin of cervical spine metastasis?

• A. Breast cancer is the most common origin
• B. Lung cancer is the most common origin
• C. Prostate cancer is the most common origin
• D. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common origin

Answer: (A)

Metastasis to the spine occurs via hematogenous spread, with the vertebral venous (Batson) plexus providing a direct route for tumor cells from the primary site to seed the spine. The axial skeleton, including the cervical region, is a common target because of its rich blood supply and red marrow. Breast cancer has a particularly high tendency to metastasize to bone, so it is the most frequent origin of cervical spine metastases. That’s why this statement is the best answer: among the listed primaries, breast cancer more often seeds the cervical spine than lung, prostate, or renal cell carcinoma. The other cancers do metastasize to the spine as well, but not as commonly to the cervical region as breast cancer.