SPINE TUMORS

DEFINITION

Occasional back pain is usually caused by normal stresses and strains, or from degenerative diseases or simply aging-related changes. In rare cases, though, the cause is a spinal tumor — a cancerous or noncancerous growth that develops in or near the spinal cord, or in the skeletal structure of the spine.

Some tumors are benign, but some are malignant and can metastasize (spread) via arteries, veins, the lymphatic system, and directly. Malignant tumors of the breast, prostate, lung, and kidney can spread into the spine. Regardless, spine tumors can be dangerous and even life-threatening if they result in compression of the spinal canal, possibly leading to paralysis or other neurologic dysfunction. As a spinal tumor grows, it can affect spinal cord cells, blood vessels, meninges, nerve roots, or the bones of the spine.

Spinal tumors are usually extradural (between the membranes and the bones of the spine), but they can also be intramedullary (inside the cord), extramedullary - intradural (within the membranes covering the spinal cord), or they may extend from other locations.

SYMPTOMS

Back pain is often the primary symptom. The pain may or may not be related to activity. It can occur either while moving or while at rest, and is sometimes noted to be worse at night. Other symptoms may include fever, numbness, sciatica, weakness or partial paralysis in the limbs, or spinal deformity (such as kyphosis or scoliosis).

Treatments

Recent advances in treating spinal tumors offer various treatment options, including various types of surgical techniques and tools.