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Spinal cancer or spinal tumor, occurs in different parts of the spine and is named accordingly. The tumor that originates in the spinal cord or its cover (dura) is an intradural tumor. If the cancerous growth occurs in the bones of the spine or the vertebrae – it is called a vertebral tumor.
An intradural tumor is classified primarily into three types according to their site of occurrence relative to the protective membrane of the spinal cord:
- Intramedullary tumors:
In this condition, cancer originates within the spinal cord cells. Examples include astrocytomas, ependymomas, and gliomas.
- Extramedullary tumors:
These tumors start in either the spinal-cord surrounding membranes or the nerve roots originating from the spinal cord. These tumors can affect the spinal cord by compression and other problems, even if they do not begin in the spinal cord itself. The types of extramedullary tumors include neurofibromas, schwannomas, nerve sheath tumors, and neurofibromas.
- Metastasizing tumors:
Cancer from other cells can spread to the vertebrae, the spinal cord network, and the spinal cord itself (although extremely rare).
Doctors treat spinal tumors through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and other medications.
Cause of the tumor
The exact reason for spinal tumors is unclear. According to the best oncologists in Mumbai, defective genes have a role in the onset of this cancer – but it’s not sure whether these defects are inherited or develop over time. In some cases, exposure to certain chemicals is the reason for these tumors. On the other hand, inherited syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease or neurofibromatosis 2 – can cause spinal cord tumors.
The symptoms of spinal tumors
As the tumors grow in the spinal cord, they can cause different symptoms. These signs may vary according to their growth site – for example, the nerve roots, spinal cord, vertebrae, or blood vessels. The most usual symptoms of spinal cord tumors are:
- Pain at the tumor site because of the tumor growth.
- Radiating pain in the back that worsens at night time.
- Loss of sensitivity towards heat, cold, and pain.
- Loss of bladder or bowel function.
- Problem instability and motor activities like walking (can lead to falls)
- Loss of sensation in the arms or legs.
- Muscle weakness in the appendages.
- Mild or severe muscular weakness in other parts of the body.
The rate of progression of the spinal tumors depends upon the type of tumor that has affected the spinal cord. Back pain is a common primary symptom of spinal cord cancer, spreading beyond and affecting the hips, feet, legs, and arms. It can intensify over time – even with treatment.
Early detection can limit harm
Spinal cord tumors can cause loss of sensation and movement due to their compression on the spinal nerves. In addition to bowel and bladder function, it can cause lasting nerve damage. A tumor that puts pressure on the nerve fiber can itself become life-threatening. However, it is possible to prevent further function loss and even regain some if detected early and treated aggressively by the best oncologists in Mumbai.
