Spinal Tumors

What is it?

Spinal tumors are a group of tumors with a wide range of characteristics and treatment approaches. There are various types of spinal tumors, but we can classify them primarily into two types: intramedullary tumors and extramedullary tumors.

  • Intramedullary Tumors are those that grow within the spinal cord itself. The most common types of intramedullary tumors are astrocytomas and ependymomas. These tumors can be challenging to treat due to their location.
  • Extramedullary Tumors develop outside the spinal cord. They are further divided into two types:
  • Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow within the dura mater, a protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord, but outside the spinal cord itself. Examples of these tumors include meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors like schwannomas and neurofibromas. These tumors are often slow-growing and benign but can still cause significant symptoms due to their location.
  • Extradural Tumors arise from tissues surrounding the spinal cord, such as the vertebrae. These tumors are usually metastatic, meaning they spread from cancer elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal tumors can vary widely depending on the tumor’s size and location.

  • Back or neck pain, often worse at night
  • Numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Sensory changes, like decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, and pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosing spinal tumors typically involves a combination of methods:

  • Medical History and Physical Exam:
  • Imaging Tests: MRI is the most sensitive tool for detecting spinal tumors. CT scans and X-rays can also be helpful.
  • Biopsy: Sometimes, a biopsy is necessary to determine the tumor’s type.

Treatment

The treatment of spinal tumors depends on the tumor’s type, size, location, and malignancy, as well as the patient’s overall health.

  • Surgery is often the primary treatment option, especially if the tumor is causing significant symptoms or is likely to be cancerous.
  • Radiation therapy shrinks the tumor or eliminates remaining cells after surgery.
  • Chemotherapy is less standard for spinal tumors, but it can be used, especially for malignant types.
  • Pain Management and Rehabilitation are important for improving quality of life and functional abilities.