Spinal Tumors

A spinal tumor can develop within your spine or travel (metastasize) to your spine from another area in the body. Like other tumors, the growth can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). The concern with a tumor in the spine is that it has the potential to put pressure on nerves or destroy bone, leading to pain, spinal misalignment, and sometimes paralysis.

Tumors that originate in the spine are relatively uncommon; however, individuals with a history of breast, lung, prostate cancer, or multiple myeloma should be especially vigilant to new or unusual back pain, as this may indicate the cancer has metastasized. Cancerous tumors tend to grow more quickly than non-cancerous tumors.

 

Symptoms

The hallmark sign of a tumor in the spine is back pain. Most cases of back pain are not caused by a spinal tumor; rather, episodes of back pain are usually brought on by aging, strain, or other non-cancerous spine disorders. Symptoms of a spinal tumor vary, depending on the location and type of growth.

Symptoms may include:

  • Back pain unrelated to specific injury, especially in the middle or lower back
  • Back pain that worsens at night or
  • Muscle weakness, especially in the legs; changes in sensation, paralysis
  • Difficulty walking; loss of bowel or bladder function
  • Spinal deformity

 

Types

Tumors are classified by where they originate in the spine or by cell type (eg, hemangioma, osteoblastoma)

  • Extradural tumor – most common type of spinal tumor; affects the bones and cartilage of the vertebrae. Most often develops as a result of cancer that originates elsewhere in the body.
  • Intradural extramedullary tumor – occur outside the spinal cord but within its protective covering (arachnoid membrane), e.g., meningioma
  • Intramedullary tumor – develops within the spinal cord; can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Often seen in children and young adults.

 

Accurate Diagnosis Essential

Spinal tumors are sometimes overlooked because they are uncommon. In addition, symptoms can easily be mistaken for benign conditions. Dr. Frazier
obtains your medical history and performs a physical and neurological exam. If a spinal tumor is suspected, Dr. Frazier may order imaging studies such as
CT scan, MRI, or myelogram (unusual) to confirm the diagnosis and determine the location of the tumor. If necessary, a biopsy may be taken.

 

Treatment

Factors such as your age, health, tumor type, and where the tumor originated are taken under consideration when formulating a treatment plan. Treatment is geared toward alleviating pain, reducing cord compression and maintaining spinal stability.
Efforts to eradicate the tumor completely are sometimes hampered by its location within/on the spine.

Treatment varies and may include:

  • Surgery to reduce the size of the tumor or treat fracture
  • Radiation therapy to decrease tumor size, alleviate pain
  • Chemotherapy
  • Corticosteroids to reduce treatment-induced inflammation of the spinal cord
  • Watchful waiting (careful, regularly scheduled monitoring)
  • Physical therapy to restore function

Remember – most back pain is not caused by a spinal tumor. Having a clear understanding of your diagnosis is essential to making an informed treatment decision. Spinal tumors can cause great physical and emotional distress. Dr. Frazier and his staff recognize this and are committed to giving you the support you need during treatment and recovery.