Overview
Spinal tumors are growths of abnormal cells that develop in or around the spinal cord or surrounding structures. Primary tumors originate in the spine, while secondary tumors spread to the spine from elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms
- Pain in the back or neck radiating down arms or legs
- Muscle weakness affecting mobility
- Numbness or tingling
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Causes
- Meningiomas — the most common type, growing from the meninges (about one-third of spinal tumors)
- Schwannomas — develop from the Schwann cells surrounding nerves
- Ependymomas — grow from ependymal cells lining the central canal
- Chordomas — rare tumors from remnants of the notochord
Treatment Options
Surgery
Often the first line of treatment, removing the tumor and alleviating symptoms.
Radiation Therapy
Uses high-energy radiation to eliminate cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Employs drugs to target malignant tumors that have metastasised.
Medically reviewed by Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Iswarya Hospital OMR, Chennai. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.