Spinal Tumors (Spinal Cancer)

Let’s face it, the word tumor is scary. However, when it comes to the spine, they are relatively rare. Not to mention, fewer than 10 percent of spinal tumors actually begin in the spine.

Understanding Spine Tumors

First, let’s talk about the spinal cord. A spinal cord is a tube that runs from the brain to the end of your spine. This is where nerves are stored and send messages to and from your brain and body.

Spinal cancer can form along the spine or in the spinal cord. Tumors sometimes grow in the spinal cord due to rapid cell growth. These tumors can be dangerous since they are able to push on the spinal cord. Thus, causing numbness, weakness, back pain, and even paralysis. This can occur along either or both sides of the body.

Spinal Tumor Grades

When a tumor occurs depending on how rapidly it is growing will determine the grade. For instance, grades 1 and 2 spinal tumors would be considered slow-growing. However, grades 3 and 4 have more rapid growth.

• Benign Tumor: A benign tumor is not cancerous. It does not spread to other parts of the body. However, it can slowly grow. Typically a surgeon can remove these and they do not return.
• Premalignant Tumor: These tumors are not yet cancerous. However, they do have the potential to become cancerous.
• Malignant Tumor: These tumors are cancerous. Spinal cancer cells are able to grow and spread throughout the body.

Different Types of Spinal Tumors

There are many types of spinal tumors. Depending on the type of tumor will also determine how it grows and where.

Astrocytomas

There are two areas in which these can grow, the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytomas tumors are unpredictable. Some grow very slow. While others grow more rapidly.

Ependymomas

This type of tumor will often have sacs filled with fluid growths inside them. They grow down the middle of the spine and also from the glial cells. The size and location of the tumor will depend on the symptoms.

Meningiomas

This type of tumor is more common in mid-late aged women than in men. They are normally not cancerous. However, the ones that are can spread. Meningiomas tumors occur at the spine in the middle of the back.

Neurofibromas

These tumors grow on the nerves are of the spine. These tumors are not cancerous and grow slowly. Typically symptoms do not occur. However, if they do it is usually back pain.

Schwannomas

This type of tumor is more likely to appear if you’ve had a family member who had cancer of the spine. Schwannomas are very rarely cancerous. However, they can grow and apply pressure to the spinal cord.

Treatment for Spinal Tumors

The goal of treating a spinal tumor is to remove it completely. However, since the spine is so delicate, this may make it difficult. When performing a spine tumor surgical procedure the surgeon must first take into account the health of the patient and their age. Then the type of tumor and whether it’s from the spinal canal or structures of the spine. Although if it has spread elsewhere that also must be considered before a treatment plan is made.

Treatment Options Include:

Observing. Sometimes spinal tumors are found before symptoms arise. Typically this occurs while being evaluated for another condition. If the tumor is small and not presenting any issues, such as growing or pressing on surround tissues, it may only need to be monitored. Periodic CT scans or MRIs are prescribed during this period.

Surgery. Often times this is the treatment which patients request. However, going under the knife for this procedure also brings the risk of nerve damage or a spinal cord injury.

Although current surgical techniques have now allowed surgeons to reach further than they thought possible. The high-powered microscopes used in microsurgery make it easier to distinguish tumors from healthy tissue.

However, even with today’s advancements, not all tumors can be fully removed. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, radiation will also be recommended.

If you have or suspect you have a spinal tumor, call us to schedule an appointment today 888-409-8006.