What are spinal tumors?
A spinal tumor is the growth of a mass of cells in the vertebrae. Cancerous tumors that originate in the spine are rare, but the spine is a common site to which other cancers spread. One in four cancer patients will develop a tumor that metastasizes to the spine and causes pain and injury. However, not all spinal tumors are cancerous. There are three types:
- Primary and metastatic spinal tumors.
- Intramedullary tumors develop in cells within the spinal cord.
- Extramedullary tumors: develop in the network of cells surrounding the spinal cell.
Prognosis of the disease
Tumors in the cord may become compressed, both the cord and the nerves. This results in a loss of movement and sensation of the extremities. Sometimes the tumor can be fatal, depending on the location, so early detection can be extremely useful in this type of pathology.
Symptoms of spinal tumors
Spinal tumors can cause a variety of symptoms, especially as they grow. They can affect the spinal cord, nerve roots, blood vessels or the bones surrounding the spine. Some of the symptoms may include:
- Pain near the tumor
- Back pain, which may also be worse at night.
- Loss of muscle sensation, especially in the joints
- Difficulty walking
- Impaired sensation
- Paralysis in various parts of the body
Spinal tumors are rare.
Medical tests for spinal tumors
MRI is one of the tests that can best detect the development of this pathology. Through this test the tumor can be diagnosed at an early stage of the disease, so there is a greater chance of preserving the functions of the spine and what it entails. X-rays can be used to rule out other degenerative pathologies or fractures caused by tumor invasion, but they do not play a fundamental role in diagnosing this type of tumor. A CT scan or biopsy can also be performed to rule out a possible spinal tumor or help determine its location.
What are the causes of spinal tumors?
Spinal tumors are rare and the exact cause of spinal tumors is not known. Some experts think that genes may play a role in the development of these tumors, although it is not clear whether these gene defects can be inherited or are created over time.
Can it be prevented?
These types of tumors must be treated urgently to prevent damage to the central nervous system, so early detection is the best prevention.
Treatments for spinal tumors
The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the tumor, although depending on the treatment it can be complicated. The main option is usually to remove the tumor by surgery. If this treatment is not sufficient and the tumor cannot be completely eliminated, other types of treatments can be used later, such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
What specialist treats it?
The Neurosurgeon is the specialist in charge of preventing, diagnosing, evaluating and treating diseases of the central, peripheral and vegetative nervous system that require or may require surgical treatment at some point in their evolution.