Spine Tumour

A spine tumour is an abnormal growth in or around the spinal column, the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Some tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly, while others are cancerous, either starting in the spine or spreading there from cancer elsewhere in the body. Even a benign tumour can cause serious problems by pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, so early evaluation is important.

Symptoms

• Persistent neck or back pain, often worse at night or when lying down
• Pain spreading into the arms or legs, or around the chest like a band
• Numbness, tingling or reduced feeling of touch, heat or cold
• Gradually increasing weakness, difficulty walking or frequent falls
• Changes in bladder or bowel control

Causes

Spine tumours are grouped by where they arise:

• Tumours of the vertebral bones, most often cancer that has spread from the breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid, as well as blood cancers such as myeloma and primary bone tumours
• Tumours inside the spinal covering but outside the cord, such as meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours, which are usually benign
• Tumours within the spinal cord, such as ependymomas and astrocytomas

The exact cause of most primary spine tumours is not known. Certain inherited conditions, such as neurofibromatosis, increase the risk.

Diagnosis

A detailed neurological examination is followed by an MRI with contrast, the main test for showing the tumour and its relation to the spinal cord and nerves. A CT scan shows bone involvement and helps plan surgery. If cancer spread is suspected, whole-body scans and blood tests help find the original source. A biopsy may be needed before treatment, and the final diagnosis is confirmed by examining the removed tissue under the microscope.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, location and size of the tumour, the symptoms and the patient's general health. Small benign tumours causing no symptoms may simply be monitored with periodic MRI scans.

When surgery is needed, its aims are to remove as much of the tumour as can be done safely, relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, keep the spine stable and obtain tissue for diagnosis. Tumours inside the spinal covering are removed using an operating microscope, often with nerve monitoring during surgery where available, to protect the cord and nerves. Many benign tumours, such as meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours, can be removed completely. For cancer that has spread to the spine, surgery to decompress and stabilise the spine can relieve pain and help preserve walking, and is combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other treatment planned together with the cancer specialists. In selected cases, minimally invasive fixation or bone cement may be used.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Go to the nearest emergency immediately if you notice:

• New or rapidly worsening weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine
• Numbness spreading up the body or below a certain level
• New or sudden severe back pain in a person known to have cancer

If you have been told you have a spine tumour or have symptoms that worry you, please consult Dr. Prashant Sharma at Keshav Super Speciality Hospital, Meerut, for a detailed evaluation and discussion of options.

Related Conditions

• Spine Fracture
• Spinal Tuberculosis (Pott's Spine)
• Sciatica
• Back Pain (Backache)
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