Bone cancers, such as osteosarcoma, can be found in the spine. Although rare, osteosarcoma generally develops near the end of long bones in children and teens. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells, is also able to cause tumors in the bones of the spine. Although spinal tumors often present no symptoms, they require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment can be simple or complex.
If a tumour is located near the spinal cord, treatment options will vary from person to person. The first treatment option is surgery, which is the removal of the tumour in a safe manner. In some cases, surgery is the only option for people with low-grade or benign tumors. If radiation therapy fails to cure the cancer, doctors may recommend follow-up treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to reduce or remove the tumour. Depending on the type of cancer, a neurosurgeon may use radiation or chemotherapy to cure the cancer.
Some common symptoms of cancer near the spinal cord include radicular pain that radiates from the spine to the legs, hips, or feet. The pain may be sharp and shooting, and it can interfere with normal activities. If the tumor has spread, other symptoms may occur, including bowel and bladder problems, muscle weakness, and inability to walk. In more advanced cases, paralysis can result. This is the main reason why spinal tumors must be diagnosed as early as possible.
There are several types of cancer in the spinal cord. Two types of tumors are called intramedullary tumors. They develop inside the spinal cord and derive from the glial and ependymal cells that line the spinal cord. Approximately five percent of cases of cancer near the spinal cord are malignant. Both ependymomas and hemangioblastomas can be life-threatening.
Among the most common forms of cancer near the spinal cord, lung and breast cancers are the most likely to spread to the spine. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of white blood cells, is another type that commonly spreads to the bone area of the spinal column. Other forms of cancer near the spinal cord are called metastatic cancers. Metastatic spinal tumors are far more severe than primary tumors, and they are spread aggressively throughout the body. They may develop anywhere in the spinal column, from the bone to the soft tissue surrounding it.
To diagnose spinal tumors, your doctor will need to perform an MRI. This imaging test involves inserting a radiographic contrast substance into spinal fluid. You may also need spine X-rays, depending on the type of spinal tumor. Most tumors in the spinal column are metastatic, which means they spread from one organ to another. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan based on the stage of the tumor. So, what is the best course of treatment?
Tumors near the spine are classified into primary and secondary types. Primary tumors occur in the lumbar and thoracic regions. They often do not affect the spinal cord. But, they may grow very slowly. In some cases, these tumors may press on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Damage to these structures could prove permanent. And it’s always advisable to seek treatment immediately. A diagnosis will make the entire treatment process easier and faster.
