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Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Spinal Tumor

What is it?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells located either within the spinal cord itself or, much more often, in its surrounding membranes and tissues. The spinal cord, which along with the brain comprises the central nervous system, is a bundle of nerve cells encased in a protective membrane that travels almost the entire length of the spine, connecting the brain to the nerves in the rest of the body. Tumors affecting the spinal cord are uncommon; they may be either benign or malignant. However, even benign tumors can compress the spinal cord, leading to irreversible paralysis (see Spinal Cord Trauma). They can also impinge upon nerves as they leave the spinal cord.Malignant tumors rarely originate in the spinal cord itself; most often, cancer compressing the spinal cord has spread from elsewhere in the body to the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or has originated in the vertebrae. Benign tumors usually grow slowly, but malignant tumors may increase in size in a matter of days; symptoms may be limited to back pain or may include numbness, loss of sensation, and weakness, generally beginning in the legs. Both benign and malignant tumors can damage the spinal cord by interrupting its blood supply. After diagnosis of a malignant tumor, rapid treatment is necessary to limit damage and to prevent irreversible paraplegia.

What Causes It?

  • The cause of spinal tumors is unknown.
  • Cancer that originates elsewhere in the body, such as the breast, lung, or prostate, may spread to the vertebrae.

Prevention

  • There is no known way to prevent spinal tumors.
  • Regular examinations of the breasts in women and the prostate in men aid in early detection and treatment of tumors in those areas (see Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer for more information).

Diagnosis

  • Patient history and physical examination.
  • X-rays of the spine.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
  • CT (computed tomography) scans, with injection of a contrast material (myelography), in some cases.
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap), to analyze a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Biopsy of the tumor may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

How to Treat It

  • Surgery may be performed promptly to reduce compression of the spinal cord by removing part or all of the tumor.
  • Large doses of corticosteroid drugs, such as dexamethasone, may be administered to reduce swelling.
  • Radiation therapy may be required in addition to or instead of surgery to treat malignant tumors.
  • Chemotherapy may be advised in some cases to treat malignant tumors.
  • Physical, occupational, and emotional therapy may be recommended to patients and their families to help them cope with major lifestyle changes.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Call a doctor if you develop severe, persistent back pain, with or without numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.