Any tumor is an abnormal growth and so is a spinal cord tumor. It develops in your spinal canal or within your spine’s bones.

A spinal cord tumor is also known as an intradural tumor. It starts growing within the spinal cord, or the spinal cord’s covering (Dura). A vertebral tumor is one of the most common types of spine tumor that affects the bones of the spine – the vertebrae.

However, a spinal tumor can radiate fast to other body parts like your lung or breast. Vice versa, your spine may develop a tumor if you have one in some other organs like the breast, kidney, prostate, or lung.

Types of Spinal Cord Tumors

Intramedullary tumors: This category of tumors, such as gliomas, astrocytomas, and ependymomas, begins in the cells of the spinal cord itself.

Extramedullary tumors: Such tumors develop in the spinal cord membrane or in the nerve roots that vein out from the spinal cord. Meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, and nerve sheath tumors are examples of extramedullary tumors that can affect the spinal cord.

Causes of a Spinal Cord Tumor

As previously stated, many spinal tumors begin in another part of the body and then spread to the spine; these are known as secondary tumors. Researchers are unsure what causes primary tumors, which originate in the spine. Genetics are thought to play a role.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Tumour

Spinal cord tumors, whether malignant or benign, can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

Pain that is not the result of an injury or physical activity. A spinal tumor can cause backpain or neck that appears suddenly, quickly worsens, and is severe, especially at night. Pain can spread out to other parts of the body, such as the arms and hands or the legs and feet, and it can last even when you’re not moving.

• Muscle weakness or numbness, particularly in the legs, arms, or chest
• Walking is difficult.
• Poor posture does not cause abnormal spine curvature.
• Paralysis
• Inability to control one’s bladder or bowels
• Sensitivity to heat and cold has been reduced.

Having mentioned the above symptoms, a patient may only show a few of them if he has a spinal cord tumor.

Spinal Tumor Treatment

Treatment differs from case to case. It is carefully determined whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Also, the size, location, and the symptoms of the tumor matter a lot before going ahead with a particular treatment method.

Treatment options may include:

• Surveillance (watch and wait): Small, benign tumors that aren’t growing or interfering with other structures may only need to be monitored for changes using MRI or CT scan studies.
• Surgery
• Radiation treatment
• Stereotactic radiosurgery, in which a high dose of radiation is delivered specifically to the tumor
• Chemotherapy

When should you consider seeing our Ortho specialist?

Early detection and treatment of spinal tumors is critical. Consult our spine expert Dr. Akhil Tawari; if you encounter the following signs:

• Consistent and growing back pain
• It is not an activity-related issue.
• Back pain worsens at night
• You have a history of cancer and are experiencing new back pain
• Facing other cancer symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.

With his extensive know-how and decades of experience, Dr. Akhil Tawari treats patients with spine cancer and nerve problems using. He is not only dedicated to offering an apt line of treatment to patients suffering from Spinal cord tumors but also to patients having spinal arthritis or any other spine-related issues.

Feel free to book an appointment if you are looking for a proficient and thorough Spine professional.