Spine Tumors
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found within or around the spinal cord or spine. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size, location, and the rate at which they grow.
Types of Spinal Tumors:
Located within the spinal cord.
Examples include astrocytomas and ependymomas.
Located outside the spinal cord but within the protective covering (dura) surrounding the spinal cord.
Can be either intradural (within the dura) or extradural (outside the dura).
Examples include meningiomas, schwannomas, and metastases.
Symptoms:
Back pain, often radiating to other parts of the body.
Numbness, weakness, or lack of coordination in the arms or legs. Difficulty walking or maintaining balance. Loss of bowel or bladder control. Paralysis.Imaging: MRI and CT scans are commonly used to detect spinal tumors and assess their size, location, and impact on surrounding tissues.
Biopsy: A tissue sample may be taken to determine the type of tumor.
Treatment:
Surgery: Often the primary treatment for many spinal tumors, especially if they are causing symptoms or have the potential to cause severe damage.
Radiation Therapy: Used to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells that cannot be surgically removed.
Chemotherapy: Less commonly used for spinal tumors but may be an option depending on the type of cancer.
Steroids: Used to reduce inflammation and swelling around the tumor.