A vertebral tumor is an abnormal cell growth in or around the spinal cord. There are two main types. The primary tumor starts in the spine. The metastatic tumor spreads from elsewhere in the body to the spine.
Types of primary spinal tumors include astrocytoma, chordoma, and more. These tumors are not common and usually not cancerous. Secondary tumors more often come from lung, breast, or other cancers.
Signs of a spinal tumor differ but often start with back or neck pain. You might have arm or leg pain, changes in sexual ability, or trouble walking.
If you’re unusually tired, can’t control your bowel or bladder, or feel weak, see a doctor. Numbness, paralysis, or body deformities are also possible symptoms.
Key Takeaways:
- A vertebral tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the spinal cord and spinal column.
- Spinal tumors can be primary tumors that start in the spine or metastatic tumors that spread to the spine from other parts of the body.
- Common primary spinal tumors include astrocytoma, chordoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, hemangioblastoma, meningioma, neurofibroma, osteosarcoma, schwannoma, and spinal hemangioma.
- Secondary spinal tumors most often originate from lung, breast, prostate, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, melanoma, sarcoma, kidney, thyroid, or gastrointestinal cancers.
- Symptoms of spinal tumors can include back and neck pain, arm and leg pain, changes in sexual function, difficulty standing and walking, fatigue, loss of bowel or bladder function, muscle weakness, numbness in extremities, paralysis, and spinal deformities.
Types of Spinal Tumors and Diagnostic Process
There are two types of spinal tumors: primary and secondary. Primary tumors start in the spine, while secondary ones come from elsewhere. Primary tumors are further classified as either benign, meaning not cancerous, or malignant, which are cancerous. Secondary tumors are mostly malignant.
When looking for spinal tumors, doctors start with a medical exam. They check for symptoms and risk factors. This includes asking about the patient’s medical past, doing a physical exam, and running tests to look at the spine’s health.
Doctors use X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to get pictures of the spine. These tests show where the tumor is, how big it is, and what it looks like. They help see how the tumor is affecting the spinal cord and nerves.
If a tumor shows up on these images, a biopsy might be done. This is where the doctor takes a tiny bit of the tumor to check if it’s cancerous. Looking at the sample under a microscope, they can figure out the tumor type. This is key in planning the best treatment.
The process to diagnose spinal tumors involves many medical experts. This includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. To treat spinal tumors right, getting the diagnosis correct is very important. This leads to the best outcomes for patients.
Treatment Options for Vertebral Tumors and Prognosis
The choices for treating vertebral tumors depend on several factors. These include the tumor type, stage, and the patient’s health. Doctors often suggest surgery to remove tumors that won’t harm the spinal cord or nerves. If complete removal isn’t possible, other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation follow the surgery.
Chemotherapy and radiation are common treatments. Chemo uses drugs to stop or kill cancer cells. At the same time, radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy them. They can be given alone or together, depending on what the patient needs.
In special cases, doctors might consider stem cell therapy. This new method uses the patient’s stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues. It offers hope for healing and decreasing the side effects of usual treatments.
The outlook for people with vertebral tumors can vary widely. It depends on the tumor type and stage, the patient’s age, health, and how they respond to treatment. Early detection and treatment lead to better outcomes and life quality for these patients. It’s critical to check in with doctors regularly and keep an eye on any changes or new issues.