Spinal cord tumors are abnormal cell masses that can develop between the protective sheaths covering the spinal cord or on the surface of the sheath. Benign (unlikely to spread) tumors are more common than malignant (cancerous and likely to spread) tumors.
Although some may start as cancer elsewhere in the body and spread to the spinal cord, these are called secondary tumors; Most spinal cord tumors are primary (i.e. they started inside the spinal cord). Benign tumors occur more frequently in some families. However, in many cases, it is not known what causes the tumor.
Symptoms
The most important symptom is back pain that increases or worsens as a result of compression on the spinal cord as the tumor grows. Depending on which part of the spinal cord is affected, the symptoms of a spinal cord tumor vary.
Symptoms usually include numbness, tingling, or a cold feeling in the body; increased muscle weakness in any of the arms or legs; loss of bowel or bladder control; is in the form.
Treatment Options
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, your doctor will check for other medical conditions that are causing similar symptoms. He or she may then send you to a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in brain and nervous system defects). This doctor can perform a variety of diagnostic tests, including computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Surgery to remove tumors from the spinal cord is usually successful. However, some tumors may not be able to be removed without injury to the spinal cord. In this case, you may receive radiation therapy to delay further growth of the tumor. Surgical removal of some parts of the vertebrae (the bony sections that make up the spine) in the relevant region can also relieve pain and other symptoms by reducing the pressure on the spinal nerves.
Corticosteroid medications may also be given to reduce swelling in the spinal cord. After surgery or radiation therapy, you may need physical therapy to regain muscle strength and control.
