Radicular pain radiating from the spine to the feet and hips is a common symptom of this condition. Radicular pain is often sharp and shooting in nature. Tumors in this area may also press on the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing other symptoms such as muscle weakness and urinary incontinence. This type of cancer can be life-threatening or cause permanent disability.
Tumors in the spinal cord can be either malignant or benign. Whether the tumor is primary or metastatic is often determined by its location relative to the spinal cord’s protective membranes. There are three types of spinal tumors: intradural-extramedullary, intramedullary, and extramedullary. The type of cancer in the spinal cord varies widely depending on its location and extent.
The first step in treating a tumor in the spinal cord is to see your physician. A doctor may order an MRI scan to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. The type of cancer and how far it has spread will determine the treatment plan. Another treatment option involves a bone scan. During this test, a physician injects a radioactive substance into a vein to track its movement. This test can detect a tumor in the spine or other abnormalities in the spine.
Another type of cancer in the spinal cord is called von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. This disorder causes tumors and cysts in the spinal cord, which affects one-fourth of people with a disease. It tends to affect women more than men, and it can spread from one part of the spinal cord to another. Treatment of this condition is based on the cause of the tumor, but if left untreated, the symptoms may be debilitating.
Primary cancers that spread to the spine include lung and breast cancer, as well as melanoma and sarcoma. Primary cancers of the spinal column include breast cancer and lung cancer, but they can also be found in the gastrointestinal tract and kidney, as well as the thyroid. Cancer in these areas is often fatal, and there are many treatments for cancer in the spine. It is also important to know which types of cancer are likely to cause back pain.
If you suspect that you have cancer near the spine, it is important to visit an oncology specialist as early detection can save your life. If detected and treated early, cancer near the spine can often be cured with surgical resection. If detected early, aggressive treatment can help restore nerve function and reduce pain. However, if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, treatment for it may be more difficult. A good support system is essential for the patient during the treatment process.
A biopsy is necessary for a cordoma diagnosis. The cells of a chordoma are similar to those of the notochord. Surgical removal of chordomas is usually the first option for treatment. If surgery is not possible, radiation therapy is sometimes used alone. Because chordomas grow near important tissues, removal of them may not be easy and can even damage healthy tissues nearby. However, the surgery may be necessary in order to remove the tumor and prevent its recurrence.
