What are Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors?

What are Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors?

Tumors of the spine and spinal cord are abnormal cell growths that develop between the bones of the spine or spinal nerves. Spine and spinal cord tumors are rare and are usually caused by cancers that have spread from another part of the body. Tumors of the spine and spinal cord can cause serious health problems by disrupting the structure or function of the spine or spinal cord.

Table of Content:

• What are the Symptoms of Spinal and Spinal Cord Tumors?
• What Causes Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors?
• How are Tumors of the Spine and Spinal Cord Diagnosed?
• How are Tumors of the Spine and Spinal Cord Treated?
• What are the Symptoms of Spinal and Spinal Cord Tumors?

They vary depending on the size, location and type of tumor. Some common symptoms include:

• Back or neck pain
• Numbness, tingling or weakness
• Difficulty moving the legs or arms
• Incontinence of urine or feces
• Sexual dysfunction
• Spinal deformity or hunchback

What Causes Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors?

Tumors of the spine and spinal cord are abnormal growths that arise from the bones, nerves or soft tissues that make up the spine and spinal cord. There are two types of tumors of the spine and spinal cord: primary and secondary.

Primary tumors are tumors that develop from the cells of the spine and spinal cord itself. The causes of primary tumors are not fully understood, but some factors are thought to increase the risk. These include the following:

• Genetic factors: Spinal cord tumors have been observed to be more common in some families. In addition, some genetic diseases can predispose to the development of spinal cord tumors. For example, diseases such as neurofibromatosis, vonHippel-Lindau disease and tuberous sclerosis can lead to benign or malignant tumors in the spinal cord.
• Radiation: Prolonged exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to the development of many types of cancer, including spinal cord tumors. For example, people who undergo radiation therapy or are exposed to nuclear accidents may be at increased risk of spinal cord tumors.
• Immune system disorders: Some immune system disorders can facilitate the development of many types of cancer, including spinal cord tumors. For example, people who take immunosuppressive drugs after AIDS or organ transplantation may develop malignant tumors of the spinal cord, such as lymphoma. 

How are Tumors of the Spine and Spinal Cord Diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of spine and spinal cord tumors, the patient’s complaints, history and physical examination are performed first. Radiological examinations are then requested.

These examinations include the following:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is a method that provides detailed images of the spine and spinal cord. It shows the location and size of the tumor and the tissues it affects.
• Computed tomography (CT): A method that shows the bone structure of the spine. It reveals bone damage or fracture.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): A method that shows the activity of cancer cells thanks to a radioactive substance given into the body. It can be used to assess tumor spread or response to treatment.
• Bone scintigraphy: A method that shows abnormalities in the bone thanks to a radioactive substance given into the body. It can be used to detect bone metastases.
• Biopsy: A small piece of tissue taken from the tumor and examined under a microscope. It is done to determine the type and grade of the tumor.

How are Tumors of the Spine and Spinal Cord Treated?

Tumors of the spine and spinal cord are abnormal growths that develop in or near the bones of the spine or the nerve tissue in the spinal cord. Some of these tumors can be benign (non-cancerous), while others can be malignant (cancerous). Treatment of tumors of the spine and spinal cord depends on the type, size, location and spread of the tumor.

The methods used in the treatment of tumors of the spine and spinal cord are as follows:

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment used to completely or partially remove the tumor. Surgery can also be done to prevent the tumor from pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, to take a biopsy, or to help with other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. Risks of surgery include infection, bleeding, nerve damage and destabilization of the spine.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill tumor cells or slow their growth. Radiation therapy can be used to destroy tumor cells left after surgery, shrink tumors that cannot be operated on, or relieve symptoms. Side effects of radiation therapy include skin redness, hair loss, fatigue and nausea.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves using drugs to kill tumor cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy can be used in addition to radiation treatment or on its own. Side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, risk of infection, bleeding tendency, nausea and vomiting.

Steroids: Steroids are medicines used to reduce the inflammation and swelling caused by the tumor. Steroids may be given short-term to relieve symptoms and improve response to other treatments. Side effects of long-term use of steroids include weight gain, osteoporosis, diabetes and stomach ulcers.