The treatment of cancer near the spine may vary from patient to patient. Depending on the type of cancer, patients may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or a combination of both. Depending on the stage of the cancer, patients may also undergo regular MRI scans or other imaging tests. If a patient develops a spinal tumor, they should see an oncologist as soon as possible. In most cases, treatment will take several months and require periodic checkups.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of spinal tumors. The pain may be a burning, numb, or tingling sensation. The pain can be constant, affecting the entire back. Patients often experience back pain. Aside from pain, other symptoms of spinal tumors include sensory changes, such as decreased sensitivity to temperature and progressive numbness in the legs. Muscle weakness or loss of bladder control may also be signs of cancer near the spine.
Spinal cancer can occur in any area of the spine, including the bone and spinal canal. While most cases occur as a result of cancer in the lungs or breast, it can also develop as a secondary tumor, which is spread from the main tumor to other parts of the body. Once this cancer has spread to the spine, it can result in a recurrence of the original tumor. As a result, patients with cancer near the spine should consult their doctor immediately.
Some types of cancer near the spine may be harmless. Giant cell tumors are named for their appearance under a microscope, containing many giant cells that have fused together. These tumors in the spine are known to affect the vertebrae. In contrast, meningioma is more common in the brain, and forms from the lining of the spinal cord. The cancer can be life-threatening if it becomes large enough to enlarge.
Another type of cancer near the spine may be osteosarcoma, which originates in the bone, although it is more common in the thigh and shin bones. Chondrosarcoma develops from the cartilage surrounding the bone. These tumors often develop as primary cancers of the spine. Multiple myeloma, on the other hand, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and plasma cells in the blood. It can be difficult to remove, as it may damage the surrounding healthy tissues.
Spinal tumors may press on the spinal cord and cause a variety of symptoms. A spinal tumor may cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. The patient may experience difficulty walking and fumbling with buttons. A tumor in the spinal cord may also cause paralysis. A tumor near the spine may lead to a variety of other problems, including the inability to control one’s bowel or bladder.
Although rare, cancer near the spinal cord may affect anyone of any age. In fact, a majority of spinal tumors are benign. They usually grow slowly, and symptoms can be vague. As a result, many patients have a mixture of symptoms. The diagnosis of spinal tumors often takes several weeks, and patients may have several symptoms. Fortunately, recent advances in imaging technology have made it possible to detect a spinal tumor sooner and more efficiently than ever before.
