Overview
Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the bony
spinal column, which is one of the primary components of the central
nervous system (CNS). Benign tumors are noncancerous, and malignant
tumors are cancerous. The CNS is housed within rigid, bony quarters
(i.e., the skull and spinal column), so any abnormal growth, whether
benign or malignant, can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair
function. Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called
primary tumors.
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Causes
Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that
surround and support neurons. In a small number of individuals, primary
tumors may result from specific genetic disease (e.g., neurofibromatosis,
tuberous sclerosis) or from exposure to radiation or cancer-causing
chemicals. The cause of most primary tumors remains a mystery. They
are not contagious and, at this time, not preventable.
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Symptoms
Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, sensory changes, and motor problems.
Symptoms generally develop slowly and worsen over time unless they
are treated. Tumors within the spinal cord usually cause symptoms over
large areas of the body, while tumors outside the spinal cord may grow
for some time before causing nerve damage. Other symptoms include back
pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, incontinence and muscle spasms.
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Diagnosis
The first test to diagnose brain and spinal column tumors is a neurological
examination. Special imaging techniques (computed tomography, and magnetic
resonance imaging, positron emission tomography) are also employed.
Laboratory tests include the EEG and the spinal tap. A biopsy, a surgical
procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from a suspected tumor,
helps doctors diagnose the type of tumor.
The tumor may be classified as benign or
malignant and given a numbered score that reflects how malignant it is.
This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and predict
the likely outcome, or prognosis, for the patient.
Outlined below are some of the diagnostic
tools that your physician may use to gain insight into your condition
and determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
Medical history: Conducting a detailed medical history
helps the doctor better understand the possible causes of your back
and neck pain which can help outline the most appropriate treatment.
Physical exam: During the physical exam, your physician
will try to pinpoint the source of pain. Simple tests for flexibility
and muscle strength may also be conducted.
X-rays are usually the first
step in diagnostic testing methods. X-rays show bones and the space
between bones. They are of limited value, however, since they do not
show muscles and ligaments.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a
magnetic field and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures
of the inside of your body. Since X-rays only show bones, MRIs are
needed to visualize soft tissues like discs in the spine. This type
of imaging is very safe and usually pain-free.
CT scan/myelogram: A
CT scan is similar to an MRI in that it provides diagnostic information
about the internal structures of the spine. A myelogram is used to
diagnose a bulging disc, tumor, or changes in the bones surrounding
the spinal cord or nerves. A local anesthetic is injected into the
low back to numb the area. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is then performed.
A dye is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems lie.
Electrodiagnostics:
Electrical testing of the nerves and spinal cord may be performed as
part of a diagnostic workup. These tests, called electromyography (EMG)
or somato sensory evoked potentials (SSEP), assist your doctor in understanding
how your nerves or spinal cord are affected by your condition.
Bone
scan: Bone imaging is used to detect infection, malignancy, fractures
and arthritis in any part of the skeleton. Bone scans are also used
for finding lesions for biopsy or excision.
Discography is used to determine
the internal structure of a disc. It is performed by using a local
anesthetic and injecting a dye into the disc under X-ray guidance.
An X-ray and CT scan are performed to view the disc composition to
determine if its structure is normal or abnormal. In addition to the
disc appearance, your doctor will note any pain associated with this
injection. The benefit of a discogram is that it enables the physician
to confirm the disc level that is causing your pain. This ensures that
surgery will be more successful and reduces the risk of operating on
the wrong disc.
Injections: Pain-relieving injections can relieve back
pain and give the physician important information about your problem,
as well as provide a bridge therapy.
Treatment
The goal when treating spinal cord tumors is to minimize nerve damage
related to compression of the spinal cord. The main priority is to
administer treatment as quickly as possible to prevent progression.
The three most commonly used treatments are surgery, radiation, and
chemotherapy. Doctors also may prescribe steroids to reduce the swelling
inside the CNS.
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FAQ What are some of the symptoms of spinal cord tumors?
Numbness in the legs that is worsening
Back pain
Incontinence
Muscle spasms
Cold feeling in the legs or hands
What is the prognosis?
The earlier the spinal cord tumor is detected, the better the outlook.
Without treatment, spinal tumors can lead to serious disability, paralysis
and death.
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Need
more information on back and neck pain? Click the above link to view resource books on spine problems. Find out what causes
back pain, what causes neck pain, and when to see the doctor.
Treating back and neck pain sufferers from across Ventura County, including patients from City of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Ventura, Camarillo and Ojai.
