Spinal tumor

Alternative names

Tumor - spinal cord

Definition

A spinal tumor is a growth of cells (mass) within or surrounding the spinal cord.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

Most spinal tumors are extradural. They may be primary tumors originating in the spine, or secondary tumors that are the result of the spread of cancer (metastasis) from other locations - primarily the lung, breast, prostate, kidney, or thyroid gland.

Any type of tumor may occur in the spine, including lymphoma, leukemic tumors, myeloma, and others. A small percentage of spinal tumors occur within the nerves of the spinal cord itself, most often consisting of ependymomas and other gliomas.

The cause of primary spinal tumors is unknown. Some primary spinal tumors are associated with genetic defects. A spinal tumor is much less common than a primary brain tumor.

As it grows, the tumor affects the spinal cord cells, nerve roots, meninges, blood vessels, or the bones of the spine. It causes symptoms because of compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots (similar to spinal cord trauma), invasion of normal cells by the tumor, or ischemia (lack of oxygen) that results from blockage of blood vessels.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on the location, type of the tumor, and the general health of the person. Metastatic tumors (those that have spread to the spine from another site) often progress quickly, while primary tumors often progress slowly over weeks to years.

Intramedullary (within the spinal cord) tumors usually cause symptoms, sometimes over large portions of the body. Extramedullary (outside the spinal cord) tumors may grow for quite some time before causing nerve damage.

• Back pain:
  o In any area - middle or low back are most common
  o That is worse when lying down
  o That is worse with strain, cough, sneeze, etc.
  o That may extend to the hip, leg, or feet (or arms)
  o That may be diffuse, occurring over all extremities (generalized)
  o That may remain localized in the spine
  o That progressively worsens
  o That is usually severe and not relieved by pain medication
  
• Abnormal sensations, loss of sensation:
  o Particularly in the legso That may be progressive