A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth arising from any of the tissues that make up the spine. There are many different types of spinal tumors and not all of them are malignant (spinal cancer). Primary spinal tumors are those that originate in the spine. They are relatively rare, typically benign (noncancerous) and represent a small percentage of spinal tumors. Malignant tumors may also originate in the spine, although more
often they spread to the spine from elsewhere in the body. Metastatic spinal tumors are those that have spread to the spine from other areas of the body. If a tumor is able to spread, this usually means it is malignant. Between 30 and 70 percent of cancer patients develop metastatic spine cancer during the course of their disease. Lung, prostate, and breast cancers are the three most common cancers that tend to spread to the spine. The
spine is not a single location. It is made of different types of tissues that span the entire length of your back and into your neck and pelvis. A tumor can form in almost every type of tissue. Starting with the outer layers of the spinal column, here are some of the tissues that may develop tumors and cancer in the spine: Bones that form the spinal vertebrae, including the bone marrow inside them Cartilage that protects the joints in the vertebrae Spinal discs that cushion the space between the vertebrae Blood vessels that supply nutrients to the spine Peripheral nerves that exit the vertebrae Dura mater, pia mater and arachnoid mater — three layers of membranes that encase the spinal cord Spinal cord Based on the location of the tumor in relation to the spinal cord, spinal tumors are classified into three groups: Extradural tumors (also known as epidural tumors) form inside the spinal column and may involve the vertebrae, but typically don’t affect the spinal cord. They are often located in the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the outer – dura – membrane that protects the spinal cord. Intradural tumors form inside the dura and may or may not involve the spinal cord. Intramedullary tumors are intradural tumors that grow inside the spinal cord. Spinal Tumor Types by AggressivenessThere are several types of masses that can be found in the spine:
Spinal Cancer: Malignant Spinal TumorsMost spinal cancer occurs inside the spinal column and usually doesn’t affect the spinal cord. Some of the cancers that may involve the spine include:
Benign Spinal TumorsAlthough in the majority of cases these spinal tumors are benign, a small percentage of them may become malignant. Benign spinal tumors can cause problems when they grow large enough to press against the tissues of the spinal cord or other structures. Benign Epidural Tumors
Benign Intradural Tumors
Schwannoma Tumor: Arrington’s StoryAfter turning in bed, Arrington heard a snap and felt instant pain. MRI results showed a broken neck — and a large spinal tumor. Arrington and his fiancée sought out spine neurosurgeon Timothy Witham at Johns Hopkins for care. Spinal Cysts and Tumorlike Masses
Spinal Tumor and Spinal Cancer SymptomsSymptoms of spinal cancer and spinal tumors may vary depending on the tumor type and location. They may include but are not limited to:
Spinal Tumor and Spinal Cancer DiagnosisWhen a tumor is found anywhere in the spine, the first step is usually to determine whether it is a primary or a metastatic tumor. Your doctor will likely order a variety of tests to check your spine, as well as other major organs and systems where cancer may develop. These tests and other diagnostic methods may include:
A biopsy may be necessary to confirm the exact type of tumor, especially if it is a primary tumor. Biopsy may require surgery, but in some cases a needle may be used to reach the tumor and extract a sample.
‘Grateful and Impressed’In his new memoir, actor Michael J. Fox details his experience with Dr. Nicholas Theodore and the Neurosurgical Spine team, who removed a large spinal tumor to avert paralysis. Spinal Tumors and Spinal Cancer TreatmentTreatment for spinal cancer and spinal tumors will differ based on the tumor type, aggressiveness and many other factors. Your treatment options may include:
Certain benign spinal tumors and cysts may not need treatment if they don’t cause any symptoms.
The Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy CenterProton therapy is used to treat certain tumors in children and adults. Our treatment center, located at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., combines advanced proton therapy technology, the latest research and caring specialists. Can you physically feel a spinal tumor?You can feel pain in your cervical (neck), thoracic (middle of the back), or lumbar spine (lower back). Tumors can also cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs by pressing on the nerves of your spinal cord.
Can you feel a spinal tumor lump?Spinal tumor pain may feel like an achiness or discomfort deep within the back, rather than feeling painful on the surface or skin. Sharp or shock-like pain.
Where does spinal cancer usually start?Most spinal cancer occurs inside the spinal column and usually doesn't affect the spinal cord. Some of the cancers that may involve the spine include: Osteosarcoma: a type of bone cancer that may originate in the spine but is more common in the thigh and shin bones.
What is the most common early symptom of spinal cord tumor?Spinal tumor pain
Back pain is the most common symptom of both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) spinal tumors. Pain from spinal tumors in your middle or lower back is more common, as tumors are more likely to develop in those regions of your spine.
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