Spinal Cord Tumor
An abnormal growth in or around the spinal cord
Quick Facts
- Type: Tumor of the nervous system
- Can be: Noncancerous or cancerous
- Common symptoms: Back pain, weakness, numbness
- Key concern: Pressure on the spinal cord
Overview
A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or surrounding the spinal cord or its protective coverings. Tumors may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), and they can start in the spine itself or spread there from cancer elsewhere in the body.
Because the spinal cord and nerves are packed into a narrow bony canal, even a small growth can press on them and disrupt the signals between the brain and the rest of the body. This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and changes in bladder or bowel control. Early diagnosis is important to protect nerve function.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the tumor's size and location and may develop slowly:
- Back or neck pain that may be worse at night or not related to activity
- Pain that radiates into the arms, legs, hips, or chest
- Weakness, clumsiness, or difficulty walking
- Numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation, sometimes to heat, cold, or pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Muscle spasms or stiffness
Rapidly worsening weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control is a medical emergency.
Causes
The exact cause of most primary spinal cord tumors is not known. Contributing factors include:
- Spread from other cancers (metastasis): Cancers of the breast, lung, prostate, and others can spread to the spine.
- Inherited conditions: Certain genetic syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis, increase the risk of nervous system tumors.
- Unknown factors: Many tumors arise without a clear cause.
Risk Factors
- A history of cancer that can spread to the spine
- Inherited disorders such as neurofibromatosis or von Hippel-Lindau disease
- A weakened immune system for certain tumor types
- Previous radiation exposure in some cases
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a neurological examination and imaging:
- MRI: The most detailed test for viewing the spinal cord and any tumor.
- CT scan: Useful for assessing the bones of the spine.
- Biopsy: Removing a tissue sample to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant and what type it is.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the tumor type, location, and whether it is cancerous:
- Monitoring: Small, slow-growing tumors that cause no symptoms may be watched over time.
- Surgery: Often the main treatment to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible and relieve pressure on the cord.
- Radiation therapy: To shrink tumors or treat what remains after surgery.
- Chemotherapy or targeted therapy: For certain cancerous tumors.
- Corticosteroids: To reduce swelling around the spinal cord.
- Rehabilitation: Physical and occupational therapy to recover strength and function.
Prevention
Most spinal cord tumors cannot be prevented because their causes are not fully understood. However, you can support early detection and care by:
- Reporting persistent, unexplained back pain, weakness, or numbness to a doctor
- Following recommended cancer screenings and treatment if you have cancer elsewhere
- Keeping regular checkups if you have an inherited tumor syndrome
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for back or neck pain that is persistent, worse at night, or comes with weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking. Seek emergency care immediately for sudden or rapidly worsening weakness in the limbs, loss of sensation, or loss of bladder or bowel control, since pressure on the spinal cord can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all spinal cord tumors cancerous?
No. Some spinal cord tumors are noncancerous (benign), while others are cancerous (malignant). Even benign tumors can cause problems by pressing on the spinal cord, so all need evaluation. A biopsy or imaging helps determine the type.
What are the early warning signs of a spinal cord tumor?
Common early signs are back or neck pain, especially if it is worse at night or unrelated to activity, along with weakness, numbness, tingling, or difficulty walking. Changes in bladder or bowel control are more serious signs that need urgent attention.
When is a spinal cord tumor an emergency?
Sudden or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control is a medical emergency. These can mean the spinal cord is being compressed, and quick treatment is needed to prevent permanent nerve damage.
How is a spinal cord tumor treated?
Treatment may include careful monitoring for small tumors, surgery to remove the growth and relieve pressure, radiation, chemotherapy or targeted therapy for cancers, steroids to reduce swelling, and rehabilitation. The plan depends on the tumor type and location.
References
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Spinal Cord Tumors.
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Spinal Tumors.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Spinal tumor.