What is spinal cord cancer?
The spinal cord runs from the bottom of your brain to your very low back. The spinal cord is segmented into three vertebrae sections. The very top of the spine, from the middle of the head to the bottom of the neck is the Cervical Spine Vertebrae. The largest portion of the spinal cord follows from the bottom of the neck to the top of the lower back, this is the Thoracic Spine Vertebrae. The Lumbar Spine Vertebrae follows from the top to the bottom of the low back.
Spinal cord cancer, more commonly known as spinal cord tumors can happen in any of these vertebrae areas. These tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the spinal column or the spinal cord. It is possible for the tumors to be diagnosed as benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous). Spinal cancer can be found inside the spinal cord, within the tissue covering the spinal cord, in the bone or between vertebrae.
What causes spinal cord cancer?
Similar to many other forms of cancer, there is not one known cause of spinal cancer. Many times, the cause ends up being linked to genetics. Additional factors that could play a part in spinal tumors include:
- Exposure to radiation or other chemicals
- Existing cancer that has metastasized, most commonly spreading from breast cancer, lung cancer or prostate cancer.
- People who have neurofibromatosis 2 or Von Hippel-Lindau disease
What are symptoms of spinal cord cancer?
The symptoms experienced from spinal cord tumors will vary between all patients. It is likely that symptoms will increase as a tumor increases in size. A tumor on the spinal cord can cause:
- Pain where the tumor is located.
- Loss of sensation below the tumor location
- Loss of sensation in arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Severe back pain – most common symptom
- Loss of sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Troubles with walking
How is spinal cord cancer diagnosed?
If you suspect that you may have a spinal cord tumor, your doctor will start by conducting a full physical exam and reviewing your medical history. If needed, your provider may also test you for motor and sensory functions. Following the exam, if it’s suspected that you have a spinal tumor, one of the following tests may be ordered:
- MRI scan – used to test and diagnose the spinal cord and its tissue
- CT scan – not as commonly used
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
- Biopsy – analyze and diagnose the spinal tumor
What are treatment options for spinal cord cancer?
The treatment options that your doctor provides you with will be determined based on the size and location of the tumor as well as your current health. The provided treatment options may include:
- Surgery to remove as much as the tumor and cancerous tissue as possible
- Radiation therapy to destroy and shrink cancer cells with high-energy radiation
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells with powerful drugs
- Going in for frequent scans to monitor the growth and spread of the tumor
If you think you may be developing some form of spinal tumor, contact your primary care provider right away. If you’re ready to speak with a spine specialist, call 515.875.9560.