"By draining to the iliac veins, prostate tumour cells are able to reach the vertebral venous plexus of the spine (via Batson's plexus) leading to metastatic tumour deposits in the vertebrae. This occurs due to the retrograde flow of blood through valveless veins, especially under transient conditions of increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as when straining to urinate 2."
Expected headings
"Related pathology"