About Spinal Cord Tumor
The exact causes of primary spinal cord tumors are unclear. However, scientists suspect that genetic conditions may play a role in their development. Exposure to carcinogens is also believed to potentially affect their development. Rare cancers that may be the cause of primary spinal cord tumors include astrocytoma and glioblastoma. These cancers start with astrocyte cells in the brain or spinal cord
Secondary spinal cord tumors are cancerous and spread to the spine from other parts of the body. Cancer cells may reach the spine by travelling through blood or the lymphatic system.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information about specific causes and risk factors for spinal cord tumors.
Symptoms of a spinal cord tumor include:
- Back pain: This is a common early symptom of a spinal tumor.
- Numbness or sensory changes: Decreased skin sensitivity to temperature (decreased ability to sense temperature) and progressive numbness or loss of sensation, particularly in the legs.
- Motor problems and loss of muscle control: Muscle weakness, trouble walking or impaired coordination, spasticity (stiff muscles), and impaired or loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
- Pain: The pain may radiate from the spine to other parts of the body and can be sharp, burning, or tingling.
- Sexual dysfunction: Difficulties with sexual function.
- Tingling: Sensations of tingling in different parts of the body.
Remember, symptoms can vary depending on the location of the tumor on the spinal cord. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
To diagnose a spinal cord tumor, doctors may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
- Physical examination: A standard neurological examination will be conducted to assess eye movement, reflexes, sensation, strength, and balance.
- X-rays: These can help determine the location of the tumor on the spinal cord and detect associated conditions like swelling or bleeding.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: This imaging technique provides a cross-sectional view of the body's tissues and structures using X-rays and a computer. It can help locate the tumor and identify differences between tissues.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: This powerful imaging technique uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the spinal cord.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Biopsy: Tissue samples are obtained through surgery to determine the type of tumor.
- Genetic testing: This can identify genetic mutations or alterations that contribute to tumor development or progression.
- Laboratory tests: Blood, urine and other substances may be tested to provide further clues about the tumor.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This monitors brain activity through the skull and can detect any abnormal brain wave activity caused by tumors.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is extracted from the spinal column for examination, which can reveal abnormal cells or unusual levels of certain molecules indicating a spinal cord tumor.
It's important to consult with your doctor for personalized advice on which examinations, tests, and procedures are appropriate for your individual situation.
The goals of treatment for spinal cord tumors are to relieve pain, restore neurological stability, and improve functional status and quality of life. For malignant (cancerous) spinal cord tumors, removal of the tumor and cancer cells, if possible, is also a goal.
The treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Surgery: The primary goal is to remove the tumor and relieve spinal cord compression. Surgical procedures vary depending on the type, location, and size of the tumor. Complete resection is preferred for non-infiltrating tumors, while cautious procedures with biopsy may be recommended for infiltrating tumors.
- Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used before or after surgery to target remaining tumor cells or as a primary treatment for tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
- Medications:
- For cancerous tumors, chemotherapy may be used after surgery or with or after radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may kill cancer cells and help shrink tumors.
- Medications may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, or control symptoms associated with spinal cord tumors. Specific medications will depend on individual circumstances, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.
- Therapeutic Procedures: In some cases, additional therapeutic procedures may be recommended alongside surgery or radiation therapy. These can include targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, or clinical trials of new treatments.
- Health Behavior Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support overall well-being during treatment. This may include maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise within recommended limits, managing stress levels, and getting adequate rest.
It's important to remember that each treatment approach should be tailored to the individual's specific condition and needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional experienced in treating spinal cord tumors is crucial in determining the most appropriate course of action.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.