Spine Tumors
The creation of a malignant (cancerous) tumor is the consequence of aberrant cell proliferation in the tissues that comprise the spine, such as the spinal canal and vertebrae, which causes spinal cancer. There are several types of spine tumors.
Types Of Spinal Tumors
01. Primary tumors: Primary tumors start in the spine, which includes the bones, nerves, and other tissues. Spinal cancer can be caused by either high-grade tumors that develop quickly or low-grade tumors that grow slowly.
- Intramedullary tumors
- Extramedullary tumors
- Vertebral tumors
Metastatic tumors: The majority of spinal tumors are metastatic, meaning that the disease has migrated to another area of the body. Prostate, breast, or lung cancers are the most common causes of metastatic spinal cancers.
Spinal Cancer Symptoms
The size, position, and whether the tumor is pushing on the spinal cord or nerves all affect the symptoms. Typical signs and symptoms include:
- Pain in the Back and/or neck
- Arm and/or leg ache
- Sexual function changes
- Standing and/or walking difficulties
- Fatigue
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Loss of sensation in various parts of the body Muscle weakness
- Numbness in the limbs
- Paralysis
- Spinal deformities (for example, hunchback)
Causes and Risk Factors of Spinal Cancer
The following are some variables that might raise the chance of getting spine tumors
- A family history of specific malignancies
- Hereditary disorders such as neurofibromatosis
- Past medical history of cancer, particularly lung, prostate, or breast cancer (for metastatic spine tumors)
Diagnosis of Spine Tumors
The first step in detecting a spine tumor is often a comprehensive medical evaluation to evaluate your symptoms. Your physician will ask you about any neurological symptoms and/or back discomfort you may be having.
To identify tumors, your healthcare practitioner may prescribe X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide them with a detailed view of the spinal cord and adjacent regions. One or more of these tests will be necessary for a precise diagnosis.
If a tumor is found in any imaging studies, a biopsy will be necessary to identify if it is benign or malignant (cancerous). A minimally invasive method is commonly used for spinal tumor biopsies. Healthcare professionals use a CT scan to direct the placement of a thin needle used to extract a sample of the tumour.
Treatment of Spinal Cancer
The course of treatment is determined by the tumor's nature, location, and effects on the body. Typical methods include:
- Surgery: Surgery may be the main course of treatment if the tumor is accessible and its removal is safe. Removing it surgically can help release pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.
- Radiation therapy: Tumors that are malignant or difficult to remove surgically may be reduced or removed using radiation treatment.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to treat a malignant tumor that has spread.
- Steroids: Steroids such as dexamethasone may be used to lessen edema and inflammation surrounding the tumor.
Prevention for spine tumors
However, some general guidelines may help lower the risk of developing tumors or catching them earlier. Unfortunately, there are no specific prevention strategies for spine tumors, especially since many are either genetic or result from the spread of cancer from other parts of the body (metastatic tumors):
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Genetic Counseling and Screening
- Early Detection of Primary Cancers
- Avoiding Radiation Exposure
