Patients will have regular visits with their doctor to discuss their symptoms and any side effects from treatment. Treatment options will also vary according to the patient’s age and condition. To get the best possible outcome, a patient with cancer near the spine should contact a qualified oncology expert.
There are two types of cancers affecting the spinal cord. The first one is a giant cell tumor. It’s named after its appearance under a microscope, and it originates from a fusion of cells. A giant cell tumor in the spinal cord affects vertebrae, whereas a meningioma is usually found in the brain. These cancers form on the lining of the spinal cord, called the dura mater. This condition can block the flow of cerebral spinal fluid.
Other treatments for cancer near the spinal cord include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Treatment options depend on the location of the tumor in the spinal canal. Some tumors respond to radiation therapy, while others are radioresistant. Treatment decisions may also involve a combination of these treatments. A multidisciplinary team will make the final decision based on the location of the tumor and surrounding nerves. If a biopsy has indicated a diagnosis of cancer near the spine, doctors may recommend the best treatment option for your condition.
Symptoms of cancer near the spinal cord include pain, numbness, and weakness. Pain may be felt on both sides of the body, especially if the tumor has spread to the brain. Some patients may experience problems with bladder and bowel control as well. Cancer near the spinal cord may affect the nervous system, as it impedes communication between the brain and the body. Depending on the location of the tumor, treatment options will depend on the type of cancer in the spinal column.
The most common symptom of a spinal tumor is pain. It can be sharp, burning, or tingling and is chronic and progressive. Other symptoms associated with spinal tumors include numbness, difficulty walking, and bowel control. Some patients experience muscle weakness, impaired bladder control, or impaired urinary continence. All of these symptoms can be symptoms of a malignancy. You will likely need to see an oncologist if you have any of these symptoms.
The most common type of spinal tumors are called metastatic. These cancers have spread from other parts of the body. They travel through the lymphatic system or blood stream and grow in another part of the body. The primary source of cancer near the spine is the lung, breast, or prostate. Cancer cells can spread to any part of the spine. Cancer may grow in either the bone of the spine or in the spinal canal itself. This type of cancer is often more severe than primary cancers because it is more aggressive and spread throughout the body.
