SPINAL CORD TUMOR

 Basic information

description

A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal growth that presses on the spinal cord or its nerve roots. The growth may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign tumor may be as damaging as a malignant tumor if it is not treated. They can affect all ages.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms may come on gradually and then suddenly be more severe.
• Dull, burning, or aching pain due to tumor putting pressure on the spinal cord. Pain may be constant and, sometimes, severe. It may feel like it's coming from various parts of the body.
• Pain may be located near the level of the tumor on the spinal cord. Midway affects the chest, higher affects arms and neck, and lower affects the back and legs. The pain may also occur in other areas of the spine or body.
• A loss of sensation that may include a feeling of numbness and skin being less sensitive to heat and cold.
• Muscle weakness or stiffness.
• Urination problems or incontinence (unable to control urination or bowel movements).
• If not treated, muscle wasting (loss of tissue) and paralysis may occur.

causes

• A spinal cord tumor usually comes from cancer that has spread from another part of the body. The cancer may have started in the lung, breast, intestinal tract, prostate, kidney, thyroid, or lymphatic system.
• Tumors that start first (primary tumors) in the spinal cord are more rare, especially in childhood or old age. Their cause is often unknown. A few may result from a genetic disease or radiation exposure.

risk increases with

• Cancer in any of the body places listed above.
• Risk of certain environmental factors is unclear.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None specific. Take steps to help reduce your cancer risk or diagnose the cancer early. Don't smoke. Eat a healthy diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Get recommended cancer screening exams. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of cancer.

expected outcomes

Early diagnosis and early treatment offer the most favorable outcome for cancerous tumors. Many benign tumors are cured with surgery.

possible complications

Paralysis, spread of cancer in the body, treatment complications, infections, and other medical problems.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. This exam may include checking: your eye movement, reflexes, hearing, sense of touch, and balance. Medical tests may include x-ray, CT, or MRI. A biopsy (tumor tissue is viewed under a microscope) can check for cancer cells.
• Treatment depends on the tumor type, your health, other cancer treatment, and your preferences. Options include monitoring (no treatment right away), surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy (anticancer drugs).
• A slow-growing, benign tumor may be monitored for a period of time. It may have been found on a routine exam and not be causing symptoms, or the symptoms are mild.
• Surgery is often the first option if the tumor can be removed without damage to the spinal cord or nerves. Several different types of surgery are available. If the tumor is benign, surgery can provide a cure.
• Radiation therapy is usually done after surgery for a cancerous tumor. Radiation may also be done if the tumor cannot be removed with surgery.
• Research is ongoing for improved treatment options.
• To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

• Pain relievers may be prescribed.
• Cortisone drugs may be given to decrease swelling around the tumor and reduce spinal cord pressure.
• Anticancer drugs may be prescribed.

activity

Activity levels will depend on your physical well-being. Be as active as your energy permits.

diet

Eat a normal, well-balanced diet.

 notify our office if

You or a family member has any symptoms of a spinal cord tumor. New symptoms occur after treatment.

Special Notes: