Spinal Tumor
A tumor forms when an abnormal cell grow to form a mass of abnormal cells. Spinal cord tumors are tumors that form on the spinal cord or in the area around it.
A spinal cord tumor may be cancerous or noncancerous. Even if benign, a tumor often causes pain and discomfort because it pushes on the spinal cord or nerves.
A spinal cord tumor may be called “primary,” which means the cancer started in the spinal cord, or “secondary,” which means the cancer started somewhere else in body and spread to the spinal cord. Most of the time, spinal cord tumors are secondary tumors. A spinal cord tumor is often a cancer of the lung, breast, prostate, or another cancer that has extended throughout the body to reach the spine.
Symptoms of Spinal tumor
Spinal cord tumors can cause many different symptoms:
Inability to control the bowels and/or bladder- Weak muscles that you can’t seem to control, so that you fall or have trouble walking
- Muscle spasms
- An unusual feeling or sensation in the legs
- Feeling cold in the hands, fingers, or legs
Spinal cord tumors often cause back pain, including:
- Feeling worse when you strain in any way, sneeze, or cough
- Increased pain when you lie down
- Pain that’s specific to the spine
- Extreme pain that isn’t improved by taking medicine
- Pain that feels worse as time passes
- Pain that spreads into the arms, feet, legs, or hips
Diagnosis
A thorough medical examination with emphasis on back pain and neurological deficits is the first step to diagnosing a spinal tumor. Radiological tests are required for an accurate and positive diagnosis.
- X-ray: Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints. X-rays of the spine are obtained to search for other potential causes of pain, i.e. tumors, infections, fractures, etc. X-rays, however, are not very reliable in diagnosing tumors.
- CT SCAN: A diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays, a CT/CAT scan can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it. It also is very good at visualizing bony structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology. An MRI can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration and tumors.
- Bone Scan: A diagnostic test using Technectium-99. Helpful as an adjunct for identification of bone tumors (such as primary bone tumors of the spine), infection, and diseases involving abnormal bone metabolism.
Radiology studies noted above provide imaging findings that suggest the most likely tumor type. In some cases, however, a biopsy may be needed if diagnosis is unclear or if concern for malignancy vs benign tumor type. If the tumor is malignant, a biopsy also helps determine the cancer’s type, which subsequently determines treatment options. To confirm diagnosis, a doctor compares laboratory test results and findings from the aforementioned scans to the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
If your tumor is small and noncancerous, your doctor may suggest simply monitoring it for changes. Over-the-counter medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), can help ease pain and swelling.
In other cases, you may consider:
- Surgery to remove the tumor: New techniques can minimize the risk of complications and damage to your surrounding nerves.
- Radiation therapy: This is often used if your tumor is cancerous, if it can’t be completely removed surgically or if surgery is considered too risky.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery: This advanced technique sends a targeted beam of radiation to your tumor with pinpoint accuracy.
- Chemotherapy to destroy or slow the growth of cancerous cells.
- Clinical trials: You may be eligible to participate in studies investigating new drugs and treatments.
What Dr. Vardan says about spine tumor treatment
We know that you have the highest chance for successful treatment when your spinal tumor care is designed especially for your specific situation. That’s why we customize your therapy to include the most advanced treatments with the least impact on your body.
Spinal tumor care often requires complex and delicate surgery. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, while not disturbing important parts of the spine and surrounding structures. For more information book an appointment.