Spinal Cord Tumors can arise from various types including tumors originating from the spinal cord itself, from the nerves exiting the spinal cord, from tumors in the vertebrae that extend to compress the spinal cord, from cancers that have spread from other parts of the body affecting the spinal cord, or from tumors within the vertebrae themselves.
What symptoms indicate a tumor?
- Cervical level: Symptoms include neck pain radiating down one or both arms, numbness in the arms or hands, or possible weakness. In severe cases, leg weakness and problems with bladder or bowel control may occur.
- Mid-thoracic level: Symptoms include pain radiating along the ribs, tightness, discomfort, numbness from the torso downward. In severe cases, leg weakness and bladder or bowel problems may occur.
- Lumbar level: Symptoms include lower back pain radiating down one or both legs, possible numbness in the legs, or bladder and bowel problems.
Symptoms may develop gradually if the tumor is benign and grows slowly. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen rapidly or suddenly. Tumors originating in the vertebrae can grow to compress the spinal cord, causing localized pain that worsens at night. Some tumors may be aggressive and spread quickly.
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Tumors
In addition to a thorough physical examination by a neurologist, imaging tools such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are necessary to visualize details of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, except for the vertebral bone structure which is better seen with a CT Scan (64 slices).
Treatment of Spinal Cord Tumors
Surgical removal of abnormal tumors compressing the spinal cord nerves must be performed by specialists using magnifying instruments such as microscopes or endoscopes, due to the critical importance of the spinal cord, comparable to the brain.
Sometimes surgery may cause structural weakness of the spine, so minimally invasive spine surgery that limits the area of damage is very beneficial.
If spinal structural reinforcement is necessary, devices such as screws and rods are used. Surgery guided by a computer-assisted navigation system improves accuracy, safety, and outcomes.
Small incision surgery to remove spinal cord tumors, which can sometimes cause bleeding and be difficult to excise, can be aided by laser tools that deliver light energy through fiber optics inserted via small incisions, improving surgical results and reducing blood loss.
What factors affect the outcome of spinal cord tumor surgery?
- Benign tumors can be completely removed surgically, resulting in a cure. However, malignant tumors may recur after surgery. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be considered as adjunct treatments depending on the tumor type and its responsiveness to these therapies.
- Surgery without complications and with small incisions helps patients recover faster, experience less pain, and return to normal conditions more quickly.
