Spinal tumors are abnormal tissue growths within the spine. They can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumors that originate from the spine are called primary tumors and are rare. Secondary or metastatic tumors are cancers that originate from another part of the body and spread to the spine. They are malignant tumors and are classified based on their location in the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacrum).
The most common cancer types that lead to spinal tumors include lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and kidney cancer.
Causes of Spinal Tumors:
While most tumors result from uncontrolled growth among the cells within the spine, some tumors are associated with specific diseases or exposure to radiation. However, for many spinal tumors, the underlying cause is unknown and cannot be prevented.
Symptoms of Spinal Tumors:
The most common symptom of a spinal tumor is back pain that doesn’t improve with rest. Other symptoms include:
- Sciatic pain
- Numbness
- Partial paralysis
- Spinal deformity
- Difficulty controlling the bladder
- Fever
- The above symptoms of spinal tumors worsen over time if left untreated.
Types of Spinal Cord Tumors:
Primary spinal cord tumors are those that originate from the spinal cord itself. They include astrocytomas, glioblastomas, ependymomas, and hemangioblastomas. Distinguishing inflammatory or demyelinating spinal lesions from spinal cord tumors can be challenging. Therefore, surgery should only be recommended after a comprehensive evaluation. Microsurgical resection with an experienced neuro-oncological surgeon in selected cases will limit neurological problems (morbidity), increase the chances of recovery for less aggressive tumors (hemangioblastoma and ependymoma), and potentially enhance survival chances for more aggressive tumors (astrocytoma and glioblastoma).
How Is Spinal Tumor Diagnosed?
CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are commonly used for the initial evaluation of spinal tumors and spinal cord tumors.
Treatment of Spinal Tumor:
The use of analgesics and steroids is recommended for pain and swelling management. Your doctor may suggest wearing a brace to increase spinal stability and minimize pain.
Depending on the type of spinal tumor, its location, and your medical condition, treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgical removal of the tumor. If the tumor cannot be surgically removed due to its location, your doctor may perform embolization to limit blood flow to the tumor.
Surgery is usually recommended when other treatments fail, when spinal stability is required, when vertebras are destroyed, when a biopsy is needed, or when there is nerve compression.
Surgical procedures involve the partial or complete removal of the spinal tumor. Spinal fusion may be used to reconstruct and stabilize the spine. This procedure involves joining bones with screws or bone grafts to provide stability.
