What is a Spinal Tumor?

The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system that provides communication between the brain and other organs with the help of nerves. It extends from the skull to the waist, within the bone structure called the spine. 

While it transmits the signals coming from the brain to the arms and legs or other organs, it also transmits the data coming from different organs to the brain in the same way. Disruption of these messages for various reasons may cause paralysis in the body. 

Tumors occur as a result of the uncontrolled reproduction and growth of some cells in any tissue or organ of the body. 

Spinal cord and spinal tumors are tumors that occur in the bones, nerves or other soft tissues that make up the spine and spinal cord. 

What are the symptoms of spinal tumors?

Spinal cord tumors can cause different signs and symptoms, especially as the tumors grow larger. Tumors can affect the spine or nerve roots, blood vessels, or bones of the spine. Signs and symptoms may include the following.

Pain in the tumor area due to tumor growth Back pain, which often spreads to other parts of your body Less sensitivity to pain, heat and cold Loss of bowel or bladder function Difficulty walking, sometimes causing falls Back pain that worsens at night Loss of feeling or muscle weakness, especially in your arms and legs Moderate pain in different parts of your body Back pain or severe muscle weakness is a common early symptom of spinal cord tumors.

Pain may radiate beyond the back to your hips, legs, feet, or arms, and may even get worse over time, even with treatment. 

What are the Treatment Methods for Spine Tumors? 

Spinal cord tumors progress at different rates depending on the type of tumor. Its treatment is quite specific. One of the most important issues is the pathological diagnosis of the tumor. In some cases, diagnosis is very simple and treatment is well known. In other cases, extensive diagnostic studies may be required to diagnose the type of tumor. There are three options for treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The choice of treatment depends on the sensitivity of the tumor to chemo and radiotherapy and whether it can be removed surgically. Primary spinal cord tumors are usually treated with surgery. It allows eliminating mass effect, obtaining tissue for pathological diagnosis, and providing stabilization of the spine if necessary. 

Benign tumors that are completely removed do not require additional treatment. Malignant tumor requires additional chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery. Treatment of metastatic tumors depends on the type and stage of the tumor. These patients were once considered inoperable  However, with modern chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery methods, most of these patients survive. 

The purpose of the operation is to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and to ensure the stability of the spine.