Spinal Tumor

A spinal tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that forms within the spine or spinal canal. Some spinal tumors begin in the spine. Others spread to the spine from cancer elsewhere in the body. Depending on where the tumor grows, it can affect the spinal bones, spinal cord, nerve roots or protective tissues around the spinal cord.

Spinal tumors may be benign or cancerous, but even noncancerous tumors can become serious if they compress the spinal cord or nerves. Because symptoms can overlap with other spine conditions, such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis or sciatica, timely evaluation is important.

Spinal tumors are often described by where they are located and whether they began in the spine or spread from another area.

Common classifications include:

• Primary spinal tumors start in the spine or spinal cord
• Metastatic spinal tumors spread to the spine from another cancer site
• Intramedullary tumors grow inside the spinal cord
• Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow inside the spinal canal but outside the spinal cord
• Extradural tumors usually grow in the bones of the spine or outside the protective covering of the spinal cord

Spinal tumor symptoms vary based on the tumor’s size, location and whether it is pressing on the spinal cord, nerve roots or vertebrae. Symptoms may develop slowly or worsen quickly.

Symptoms can include:

• Back or neck pain that does not improve with rest
• Pain that worsens at night or with activity
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet
• Difficulty walking, balance problems or frequent falls
• Pain that travels into the arms, chest, abdomen or legs
• Changes in bowel or bladder control
• Spinal deformity or tenderness over the spine

Sudden weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or rapidly worsening numbness may signal spinal cord compression and needs urgent medical attention.

Many spinal tumors do not have one clear cause. Primary tumors may develop when cells in the spine or spinal cord grow abnormally. Metastatic spinal tumors occur when cancer cells spread through the bloodstream or lymph system to the spine.

Risk factors may include a personal history of cancer, certain inherited genetic conditions, immune system disorders or prior radiation exposure. Cancers that commonly spread to the spine include breast, lung, prostate, kidney and thyroid cancer.

Having risk factors does not mean a person will develop a spinal tumor. A careful medical history, neurological exam and imaging help determine whether symptoms are related to a tumor or another spine condition such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal fracture.

Diagnosing a spinal tumor usually begins with a neurological exam to evaluate strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination and walking. Your care team may also ask about pain patterns, cancer history and changes in bowel or bladder function.

Diagnostic testing may include MRI, CT scan, X-ray, bone scan or biopsy. MRI is often the most useful test because it can show the spinal cord, nerves, discs and soft tissues in detail. If surgery or radiation is being considered, your team may use advanced imaging to understand the tumor’s relationship to the spinal cord and nearby structures.

Diagnosis may also involve collaboration among neurosurgery, oncology, radiation oncology and rehabilitation specialists. This team-based approach helps determine whether treatment should focus on removing the tumor, relieving pressure on the spinal cord, stabilizing the spine or controlling cancer growth.

Treatment for a spinal tumor depends on whether the tumor is benign or cancerous, where it is located, how fast it is growing and whether it is causing nerve or spinal cord compression. Your care plan may include one or more of the following approaches:

• Monitoring with repeat imaging for select slow-growing tumors
• Medication to help manage pain, swelling or other symptoms
• Radiation therapy or radiosurgery
• Chemotherapy or targeted therapy for certain cancerous tumors
• Rehabilitation to improve strength, mobility and function

Surgery may be recommended when a tumor is causing spinal cord compression, severe pain, instability or neurological symptoms. Surgical options may include:

• Tumor removal
• Spinal decompression procedures
• Stabilization procedures such as spinal fusion
• Minimally invasive spinal fusion
• Laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves

Radiation-based treatments may be used alone or after surgery. Radiosurgery can deliver highly focused radiation to certain tumors while limiting exposure to nearby healthy tissue. Treatment decisions are individualized to balance tumor control, spinal stability, nerve protection and overall health.

Spinal tumors can lead to serious complications when they press on the spinal cord, nerves or vertebrae. Possible complications include chronic pain, weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, walking problems, spinal instability, fractures and changes in bowel or bladder control.

Prompt treatment can reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage. If the spine becomes unstable because of tumor growth or bone weakening, procedures such as spinal fusion may be considered to protect alignment and function.

Most spinal tumors cannot be fully prevented. However, people with a history of cancer can reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis by reporting new back pain, weakness, numbness or changes in walking to their care team early.

Prevention also includes staying current with recommended cancer screenings, following treatment plans for known cancer and seeking evaluation for back or neck pain that is persistent, worsening or different from prior symptoms. Early detection can help preserve mobility and nerve function.

If you have symptoms of a spinal tumor or have been told you may need evaluation, Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care can help guide your next steps. A specialist can review your imaging, evaluate your neurological function and recommend a care plan based on the tumor’s location, behavior and impact on your spine.

To schedule a visit with a Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provider, fill out an appointment request form or call 833-596-3876.