A Spinal Tumor, also called a Spinal Neoplasm (New Abnormal Growth), can develop in the bone and metastasize (spread) to other parts of the spine or outside the spine. In some cases, a tumor in the spine develops from a tumor that has spread from the patient’s breast, lung, kidney, or prostate.
Spinal Tumors, whether malignant or benign, can cause different symptoms, including:
- Pain in the back or neck that comes on suddenly, gets worse especially at night can be a hallmark of a spinal tumor.
- Muscle weakness or loss of sensation, especially in the legs and arms.
- Difficulty in walking.
- Abnormal curvature of the spine not caused by poor posture.
- Paralysis.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
A patient may not have all of these symptoms or may have a combination of them.
Many Spinal Tumors originally develop in another part of the body and then metastasize to the spine—these are called Secondary Tumors. Researchers are uncertain what exactly may cause Primary Tumors—those that originate in the spine.
A meticulous medical analysis with importance to back pain and its causes is the primary step to diagnosing a Spinal Tumor. One has to undergo radiological tests for the accurate diagnosis & treatment of spinal tumors.
- X-ray: X-rays of the spine are taken to search for a spinal tumor or other possible causes of pain like infections, fractures, etc.
- Computed tomography scan (CT scan): A CT scan can determine the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and its structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI helps in viewing the spinal cord, nerve roots, and nearby areas, as well as tumors.
- Bone Scan: Effective as an auxiliary for the association of bone tumors & infections.
Treatment depends on many factors, including whether the tumor is benign or malignant, tumor size and location, and symptoms.
- Monitoring (Watch and Wait). Small, benign tumors that aren’t growing or impinging on other structures may only require to be watched for changes through the use of MRI or CT scan studies.
- Radiation therapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery, which delivers a high dose of radiation specifically targeted to the tumor
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
The goals of surgery to treat spinal tumors include:
- Remove the spinal tumor, or as much of it as possible.
- Stabilize the spine.
- Reduce pain.
- Improve function and quality of life.
Decompression: Remove the entire tumor or part of it. These types of procedures decompress or relieve pressure to the spinal cord and nerve roots, thereby helping to reduce pain and other symptoms.
Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty: Both are minimally invasive surgical procedures that stabilize a fractured vertebra and help relieve pain.
Kyphoplasty uses orthopaedic balloons that are inserted into the fracture, inflated to create a hole or cavity, and removed before the bone cement is injected.
Vertebroplasty is a newer technique. In combination with radiofrequency ablation it removes the tumor tissue and create a cavity for the bone cement. Radiofrequency ablation uses radio wave energy to break the tumor’s cellular molecular bonds to help remove tissue and create the cavity.
Spinal Stabilization: A spinal tumor can cause your spine to become unstable. Spinal instability increases the risk for serious neurologic injury, such as bowel or bladder dysfunction or paralysis.
Stabilization usually involves spinal instrumentation and bone graft. Instrumentation may include implantation of plates, interbody devices, and screws to immediately stabilize the spine.
Spinal decompression and Stabilization may be performed as a Minimally Invasive Procedure (Small incision, Early recovery) or by using a more traditional open approach (Longer incision, Longer recovery time).