Spine Tumor

What Is a Spinal Tumor?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the spinal cord or vertebrae. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may originate in the spine (primary tumors) or spread from other parts of the body (metastatic tumors).

Types of Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are classified by location and origin:

By Location:

• Intramedullary: Inside the spinal cord (e.g., astrocytoma, ependymoma)
• Intradural-Extramedullary: Inside the dura but outside the spinal cord (e.g., meningioma, schwannoma)
• Extradural: Outside the dura, often in the vertebrae (e.g., metastatic tumors) 

By Origin:

• Primary tumors: Originate in the spine (e.g., chordoma, osteosarcoma)
• Secondary tumors: Spread from other organs (e.g., breast, lung, prostate cancer)

Symptoms of Spinal Tumors

Symptoms depend on tumor type, size, and location:

• Back or neck pain, often worse at night
• Radiating pain to arms or legs
• Muscle weakness or numbness
• Loss of sensation to heat, cold, or pain
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically includes:

• MRI (preferred imaging for spinal tumors)
• CT scan for bone detail
• Biopsy to determine tumor type
• Neurological exam to assess function

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on tumor type, location, and patient health:

1. Surgery

• Goal: Remove as much of the tumor as safely possible
• Often followed by radiation or chemotherapy 

2. Radiation Therapy

• External beam radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery
• Used post-surgery or for inoperable tumors 

3. Medications

• Corticosteroids to reduce swelling
• Pain management (NSAIDs, opioids, nerve pain meds)
• Chemotherapy and targeted therapy for malignant tumors
• Immunotherapy (in select cases) 

4. Observation

• For small, asymptomatic tumors
• Regular imaging and monitoring

Prognosis

• Benign tumors often have good outcomes with surgery
• Malignant tumors may require ongoing treatment
• Metastatic tumors focus on symptom relief and quality of life

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Call us at (561) 433-4444 to schedule a consultation or make an appointment.
Let our experienced doctors help you manage spinal tumors and protect your neurological health.