Spinal Tumour
Treatment

Table Of Contents

• What Is A Spinal Tumour?
• What Causes A Spinal Tumour?
• What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Tumours?
• How Is A Spinal Tumour Diagnosed?
• How Is A Spinal Tumour Treated?

What is a Spinal Tumour?

A spinal tumour is a mass of cells that grows abnormally within or around the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that runs through the centre of the backbone. It is made up of nerve bundles and cells that convey messages from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa.

Spinal tumours can be cancerous as well as non-cancerous. If it grows larger, it can harm the tissues in the spinal column creating further problems.

What Causes a Spinal Tumour?

The aetiology of spinal tumours is not clear yet. Although the most probable reason is a genetic defect that can pass on from generations or arise due to radiation exposure. However, spinal tumours have been linked to two syndromes:

Neurofibromatosis 2 and Von Hippel-Lindau disease. Both these syndromes are genetic and increase the risk of getting spinal tumours.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Tumours?

Tumours of the spinal cord can generate a variety of indications and symptoms, especially as they progress.

• Typical symptom: Back discomfort that spreads to other parts of the body
• Muscle weakness or loss of sensation, particularly in the arms or legs
• Decreased sensitivity to pain, heat, and cold
• Reduced bowel or bladder function
• Backache that gets progressively worsens at night
• Walking difficulties, which might lead to falls.

How is a Spinal Tumour Diagnosed?

Because spinal tumours are uncommon and their symptoms are similar to those of more prevalent illnesses, it is critical to examine a patient’s medical history thoroughly. 

These tests can help confirm the diagnosis and define the site of a spinal tumour:

• Biopsy: A little tissue sample is examined under a microscope to detect the particular type of spinal tumour.
• CT: This examination produces detailed spine images using a small radiation beam.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: MRI produces accurate images of the spine and nearby structures using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. An MRI is usually the best option for diagnosing malignancies of the spinal cord and adjacent tissues.

How is a Spinal Tumour Treated?

The goal of spinal tumour treatment is to remove the tumour altogether, although this can be difficult due to the danger of damage to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. 

The following are some of the treatment options for most spinal tumours:

• Monitoring: If small tumours aren’t expanding or pressing on nearby tissues, careful observation with routine imaging tests may be all that’s required.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common tumour treatment that employs drugs to kill tumour cells or stop them from developing.
• Surgery: This is frequently the therapy of choice for malignancies that can be removed without causing damage to the spinal cord or nerves. During the procedure, doctors can also check the function of the spinal cord and other vital nerves.
• Radiation therapy: It is a type of treatment that involves the use of radiation which can be used to remove tumour remains after surgery, treat inoperable tumours, or treat tumours that are too dangerous to operate on.