What is a Spinal Tumour?

A spinal tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or surrounding the spinal cord or vertebrae. Tumour in the spine can arise in the spinal cord, coverings of spinal cord, nerves or bone

These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Spinal tumours may originate in the spine or spread from other parts of the body (metastatic tumours), and they can cause significant pain and other symptoms due to compression of the spinal cord or nerves.

What are the Causes of Spinal Tumours?

The causes of spinal tumours are not completely understood, but they can generally be divided into two categories: primary and secondary (metastatic) tumours.

• Primary and Secondary tumours: Primary spinal tumours develop within the spinal cord or the tissues surrounding it, whereas secondary tumours are the result of cancer spreading to the spine from another part of the body(metastasis)
• Genetic Predisposition:Certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis, can increase the risk of developing spinal tumours.
• Environmental Factors:Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may contribute to the development of spinal tumours.

What are the types of spinal tumours

Spinal tumours can be classified based on their location:

• Intramedullary Tumours: These tumours grow within the spinal cord itself.
• Intradural Extramedullary Tumours: These tumours grow outside the spinal cord but within the protective covering (dura) or the spinal canal.
• Extramedullary tumours / Vertebral Tumours: These tumours grow in the vertebrae (the bones of the spine) and can be either benign or malignant.

What are the Common Symptoms Associated with Spinal Tumours?

Tumours are often detected before they trigger any noticeable symptoms

However, as a tumour grows, it can cause certain symptoms

The specific symptoms may differ significantly depending on the tumour’s location

• Pain: depends on the location, night pains disturbing sleep
• Neurological Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs , radicular pain
• Loss of Sensation: Decreased ability to feel temperature, pain, or touch
• Difficulty Walking: Problems with balance or coordination(myelopathy)
• Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction: Incontinence or difficulty with bladder or bowel control
• Paralysis: In severe cases, partial or complete paralysis below the level of the tumour
• Spinal deformity or scoliosis  resulting from a large and/or destructive tumour

If I Have a Spinal Tumour, Should I See a Spine Doctor Always?

Yes, if you suspect a spinal tumour, it is crucial to see a spine surgeon. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord or nerves

How is Spinal tumour diagnosed ?

• Full medical history and neurological examination
• MRI is usually the preferred test to detect spinal cord tumours
• In few cases PET scan or bone scan will be required

What are the Treatment Options for Spinal Tumours?

Treatment options for spinal tumours depend on the type, location, and size of the tumour and may include:

• Observation: For small, benign tumours that are not causing symptoms, regular monitoring may be recommended with MRI
• Surgery: To remove or reduce the size of the tumour, especially if it is causing compression of the spinal cord or nerves. It can biopsy, tumour resection by a open surgery or minimal invasive surgery
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy for spinal cancer is often used after surgical removal of a tumour to eliminate any microscopic tumour cells that may remain. It can also be considered for metastatic spinal tumours, which are tumours that have spread to the spine from other areas of the body.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells throughout the body. They are rarely used to treat spinal cord tumours and only for malignant tumours

What can you expect after surgery?

 The duration of hospitalization depends on the type of surgery required usually it around 4 to 5 days

Periodic follow up will be advised depending upon nature of lesion.

Physical and occupational therapy may be beneficial to help restore any lost strength, coordination, or other skills.