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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.
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