A spinal cord tumor is a serious issue where unusual cells grow around or inside the spinal cord. The spinal cord carries messages from the brain to the body. When tumors are present, they can interfere with these messages and lead to multiple symptoms.
Tumors can show up in various spots in the spine. They could be in the spinal cord, its coverings, between the membranes and bones, or even in the vertebrae. They might be not cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Tumors from other parts of the body might also spread to the spine.
There are many kinds of spinal tumors. Some of them are astrocytoma, chordoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, meningioma, neurofibroma, osteosarcoma, schwannoma, and spinal hemangioma.
Finding spinal cord tumors involves a detailed nervous system checkup and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. The choice of treatment depends on the tumor’s type, size, and place. Doctors might try to surgically remove the tumor. Sometimes, they suggest radiation or other targeted therapies.
Stem cell therapy could be a new hope for spinal cord tumor patients. Stem cells can become various cell types. This may help in healing the spinal cord. Researchers are studying how stem cells could make treatment better for spinal cord tumor patients.
Key Takeaways:
- Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of cells within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column.
- Spinal tumors can be benign or malignant, with metastatic tumors being more common than primary spinal tumors.
- Common types of spinal tumors include astrocytoma, chordoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, meningioma, neurofibroma, osteosarcoma, schwannoma, and spinal hemangioma.
- Diagnosis involves neurological examinations and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans.
- Treatment options include surgical removal, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell therapy.
Types of Spinal Tumors and Risk Factors
Spinal tumors vary in type and location. They can begin in the spinal cord or nearby. Tumors can be primary (start in the spine) or secondary (metastasis from elsewhere). They may also be benign or cancerous. They can affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacrum regions of the spine.
Spinal tumors fall into three main categories:
- Intradural-Extramedullary Tumors: These grow within the dura mater, outside the spinal cord. They mainly affect nerve roots or the meninges. Common types are meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors.
- Intramedullary Tumors: These are within the spinal cord tissue itself. They include astrocytomas and ependymomas, and are rare.
- Extradural Tumors: Or spinal metastases, spread to the spine from elsewhere. Breast, lung, and prostate cancers are common sources. They can also be primary spinal tumors such as chordomas.
Other spinal tumor types are also known. The causes of spinal tumors remain unclear, but certain risks are identified. Radiation exposure increases the risk. Genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis and von Hippel-Lindau raise risk as well.
Preventing spinal tumors includes avoiding unnecessary radiation and managing genetic risks. There are no common screening tests for finding spinal tumors early. It’s crucial to see a doctor if you have symptoms or known risk factors.
References:
- “Spinal Tumors.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spinal-Tumors. Accessed 23 August 2022.
- “Spinal Cord Tumors.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20355636. Accessed 23 August 2022.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Tumors
To diagnose spinal cord tumors, doctors first thoroughly check the brain and spinal cord’s work. They use tools like MRI or CT scans to see the tumor and learn about it. Sometimes, a biopsy, taking a tiny part of the tumor for testing, is needed to know its type.
Treating spinal cord tumors depends on the tumor type, size, and where it is located. Tumors like meningiomas and some ependymomas might be cured by surgery. Or they might need surgery and radiation. For astrocytomas, doctors usually do surgery then give radiation. Sometimes, radiation alone or with chemo is used.
How well someone does, and their chances of getting better, depend on many things. Like how old they are, what type of tumor they have, and if it has spread. Younger people and those with less serious tumors often do better. But each case is unique. A patient’s care team will make a plan carefully suited to them.