Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors can develop within the spinal cord, around the cord and nerves, or in the bones of the spine. Symptoms and treatment depend on the tumor’s location, type, growth pattern, and effect on neurological function and spinal stability.
Quick Answer
Spinal tumors may arise within the spinal cord, around the cord and nerve roots, or in the vertebrae. Some are benign and slow-growing; others are malignant or metastatic. Treatment is individualized to protect neurological function, control the tumor, and preserve spinal stability.
Key Takeaways
- Spinal tumors can arise in the spinal cord, around the cord and nerves, or in the vertebrae.
- Persistent back or neck pain, weakness, numbness, balance problems, or bladder/bowel changes can be warning signs.
- MRI is the primary imaging study for evaluating most spinal tumors.
- Treatment may include observation, microsurgical removal, radiation, systemic therapy, or a combination of approaches.
- Complex cases often require multidisciplinary care to protect neurological function and spinal stability.
At a Glance
| Condition | Spinal tumors |
|---|---|
| What they are | Abnormal growths involving the spinal cord, surrounding tissues, nerve roots, or vertebrae |
| Who they affect | Adults and children |
| Common symptoms | Persistent back or neck pain, radiating pain, weakness, numbness, balance changes, or bowel/bladder dysfunction |
| Diagnosis | MRI, sometimes CT and biopsy |
| Treatment | Observation, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or combined treatment |
| Primary goals | Tumor control, neurological preservation, and spinal stability |
Types of Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors are commonly described by where they arise in relation to the spinal cord and its protective covering.
Within the Spinal Cord
These tumors arise within the spinal cord itself. Examples include ependymomas and astrocytomas.
Inside the Dura, Outside the Cord
These tumors develop within the spinal canal but outside the spinal cord. Meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors are common examples.
Outside the Dura
These tumors often involve the vertebrae or epidural space. Metastatic cancer is an important cause of extradural spinal tumors.
Benign vs. Malignant Tumors
Both benign and malignant tumors can cause serious neurological problems if they compress the spinal cord or nerves. The importance of a spinal tumor depends not only on its pathology, but also on its location, growth, and effect on neurological function and spinal stability.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms vary with the tumor’s size, location, and how much pressure it places on the spinal cord or nearby nerves.
Common Early Symptoms
- Persistent back or neck pain
- Pain that worsens at night or while lying down
- Pain radiating into the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
Neurological Symptoms
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of coordination
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
Children may also develop scoliosis, changes in walking, weakness, or persistent back pain. Progressive neurological symptoms warrant prompt evaluation.
When to Seek Prompt Evaluation
- Progressive arm or leg weakness
- Increasing difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- New loss of coordination
- New or worsening bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Rapidly worsening numbness or loss of sensation
Diagnosis
Evaluation begins with a neurological examination to assess strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, walking, and other functions that may help localize the problem.
MRI
MRI is the primary imaging study for most spinal tumors because it provides detailed images of the spinal cord, nerve roots, surrounding tissues, and vertebral structures.
CT and Biopsy
CT may provide additional detail about bone involvement. When imaging alone cannot establish the diagnosis, biopsy may be needed to determine the tumor type and guide treatment.
Staging and Additional Imaging
If metastatic disease is suspected, additional imaging or testing may be recommended to identify a primary cancer and determine the extent of disease.
Treatment
Treatment is individualized based on tumor type, location, size, growth pattern, neurological symptoms, and spinal stability.
Observation
Some slow-growing tumors that are not causing neurological symptoms may be monitored with serial imaging and neurological examinations.
Microsurgical Tumor Removal
When appropriate, surgery aims to remove as much tumor as can be safely removed while protecting the spinal cord and nerves.
Radiation & Systemic Therapy
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be used depending on the diagnosis and biological characteristics of the tumor.
Protecting Spinal Stability
If a tumor weakens the vertebrae or surgery requires removal of supporting structures, spinal stabilization or reconstruction may be necessary.
Multidisciplinary Spine Tumor Care
Complex spinal tumors may be reviewed by neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, neuro-oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, pathologists, and rehabilitation specialists.
The Diagnosis-to-Treatment Pathway
1. Neurological Evaluation
Symptoms, strength, sensation, reflexes, walking, and other neurological functions are assessed to help identify where the spinal cord or nerves may be affected.
2. Advanced Imaging
MRI is used to define the tumor's location, size, and relationship to the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures.
3. Diagnosis
Imaging findings, medical history, and sometimes biopsy or surgical pathology help determine the type of spinal tumor.
4. Treatment Planning
The neurosurgical team determines whether monitoring, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or a combination of treatments is most appropriate.
5. Surgical Treatment
When surgery is recommended, the goal is to safely remove or reduce the tumor while protecting the spinal cord, nerves, and spinal stability.
6. Recovery & Follow-Up
Neurological function and recovery are monitored, with follow-up imaging used to evaluate the treatment response and watch for recurrence or progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth involving the spinal cord, its surrounding tissues, nerve roots, or the bones of the spine.
No. Spinal tumors can be benign or malignant. Even a benign tumor can cause significant symptoms if it compresses the spinal cord or nerves.
Persistent back or neck pain, pain that worsens at night, radiating pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, balance changes, and bowel or bladder dysfunction can occur.
MRI is the primary imaging study for most spinal tumors. CT, additional body imaging, and biopsy may also be needed depending on the suspected diagnosis.
No. Some tumors can be monitored, while others are treated with surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or a combination of approaches.
That depends on the tumor’s type, location, relationship to the spinal cord and nerves, and whether complete removal can be performed safely.
Yes. Cancer can spread to the spine from other parts of the body. These metastatic tumors are an important type of spinal tumor.
Care may involve neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, pathologists, and rehabilitation specialists.
Spinal Tumor Specialists at Atlantic Brain and Spine
Our neurosurgical team treats complex tumors involving the spinal cord, nerves, and spine using individualized surgical and multidisciplinary approaches.
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