Pain is one of the first symptoms of cancer near the spine. It may be sharp, burning, or tingling. The pain is usually constant and progressive, and can also affect the nerves in the legs. Other symptoms of spinal tumors are sensory changes, including loss of sensitivity to temperature, progressive numbness in the legs, and motor problems such as weakness and spasticity.
Treatment options for a spinal tumor vary greatly, depending on the stage and type of tumor. For primary tumors, the goal of treatment is to remove the entire tumor. However, this is not always possible. Because of the damage to the spinal cord, complete resection of a primary tumor may be impossible. Metastatic tumors, on the other hand, are treated with palliative care. If the cancer near the spine is asymptomatic, radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option.
While spinal tumors are aggressive, they are sometimes benign and curable with surgery. Early detection is crucial to the survival of cancer patients. Surgical resection can cure spinal tumors, or contain them for years. If you suspect a spinal tumor, you should seek the medical attention of an oncology specialist. In some cases, it is possible to stop the spread of the tumor by using adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant treatment helps shrink the primary tumor and prevent its cells from dividing and spreading to other areas of the body.
Treatment options for cancer near the spine depend on the location of the tumor, whether it is in the spine, or in another area. The surgical approach will depend on whether it affects the spinal cord or nerves, and whether neurological function is intact. NREF has funded research and training for 30 years to improve care for cancer near the spine. The NINDS publishes a booklet titled “Clinical Research on Cancer Near the Spine
Besides primary cancer, metastatic spine tumors may also occur. Metastatic spine tumors spread to other parts of the body from the primary cancer. They break away from the primary tumor and enter the lymphatic and blood system, where they may grow and form a new tumor. These tumors are more dangerous than primary ones, because they spread aggressively throughout the body. The spine is made up of several kinds of tissue and tumors can develop in any part of the spinal cord.
Symptoms of cancer near the spine may be difficult to diagnose. The pain may be a sign of a tumor in the spine, although most of the back pain associated with the disease is unrelated. Cancer in the spine can either be primary or metastatic, so it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect cancer. If the spine cancer is located in the spine, treatment may be more complex than for primary cancers.
