Spinal cord tumor: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

When we talk about a tumor, we refer to the abnormal growth of a group of cells that do not fulfill any physiological function. This mass of tissue tends to invade different areas of the body, depending on where it arose and It may be malignant or benign depending on its evolution.Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the symptoms and obtain a timely diagnosis to effectively address the problem before it progresses.

What is a spinal cord tumor and what types exist?

A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal mass that grows inside the spinal canal or beneath the vertebral bones. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and their location directly affects nerve function, which can cause symptoms such as pain, weakness, or mobility problems.

For a prognosis and treatment effective it is essential to identify the type of tumor. These are classified according to the type of cell that originates it (such as astrocytes, ependymalocytes, among others), the degree of tumor growth, the mutations of the tumor cells and the place where the tumor originated, whether in the brain or the spinal cord.

Most common types of intradural tumors and their main characteristics

Taking into account the factors mentioned above, it is possible to differentiate the following: existing types of spinal cord tumors, also called intradural tumors:

Gliomas:

These are tumors that originate in glial cells, which are responsible for surrounding and helping nerve cells function. Depending on the type of glial cell involved, gliomas can be classified as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas or ependymomas, which determines their characteristics and development. These tumors can vary in aggressiveness and symptoms depending on the subtype and classification.

Meningiomas

This type of tumor develops in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain, known as the meninges. Although it is technically a spinal cord tumor, one of its main effects is pressure on the brain and the vessels surrounding it. Meningiomas are usually more common in women and grow very slowly, with subtle symptoms that make it very difficult to diagnose.

Cordoma:

It is a type of cancerous tumor which appears more frequently in males and is develops in the cervical region of the spine, more specifically at the base of the skull. Its location makes it very complex to treatChordomas can cause severe symptoms due to the pressure they exert on nearby nerve structures.

Neurofibroma:

This type of tumor is usually benign and is characterized by growths in the form of lumps around the nerves, which can be palpable under the skin. Symptoms usually only appear when the tumor exerts some type of pressure on the nerve, causing pain, tingling or numbness in the area that the nerve radiates. It occurs most frequently in young people between 20 and 40 years of age.

Schwannoma:

It is a type of benign tumor that originates in the nerve sheath. Also known as intramedullary neurinoma, It is very rareAlthough it is usually slow-growing and has a favorable prognosis, it can cause neurological symptoms if it presses on nearby nerves.

Symptoms of a tumor in the spinal cord

The main symptom of a spinal cord tumor is back pain. However, back pain is common and occurs for multiple reasons, so it is important to have regular check-ups with a doctor. a spinal traumatologistIn addition, it is important to take into account risk factors that may increase the chances of developing a tumor, such as age or family history.

Likewise, if you have any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor:

• Backache.
• Loss of sensitivity.
• Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Muscle weakness, which can affect different parts of the body.
• Dificulty to walk.
• Dizziness, fainting, or progressive weakness.
• Intense and progressive pain.

Diagnosis of a spinal or intradural tumor

Spinal or intradural tumors usually present mild symptoms, so are very difficult to diagnose. For this reason, it is crucial to have a trusted specialist traumatologist who knows the patient's medical history and progress.

To determine the existence of tumors or any other disease that may develop, the doctor will request diagnostic imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. These studies allow the exact location of the tumor to be visualized and its size and characteristics to be evaluated.

If a tumor is detected, a biopsy will be performed. biopsy to determine its origin and characteristics, which will allow the doctor to define the treatment to follow.

Existing treatments for spinal cord tumors

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the team of doctors will evaluate which It is the best treatment to follow. Ideally the goal will be completely remove the tumor, although specialists will take into account the age, the aggressiveness of the tumor and the risks of the treatment to decide between the following alternatives:

• Monitoring: If the tumor is benign and is not affecting nerve function or other tissues, your doctor will likely choose to monitor it periodically. This involves MRIs or CT scans to monitor the tumor's progress. Intervention is only considered if the tumor begins to grow or cause symptoms.
• Spine surgery: Surgical techniques have advanced significantly, allowing tumors to be removed with greater precision and lower risks. Surgery is an option in cases where tumors are accessible and can be removed without compromising vital structures. To ensure an optimal outcome, it is crucial that the procedure is performed by a specialized spine surgeon.
• Radiotherapy: Once the tumor has been removed, radiotherapy can be used if any remains remain. It is also used as a treatment for tumors that cannot be operated on due to surgical risks or for those who decide not to risk dangerous surgery.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment is used for malignant tumors and is sometimes combined with radiotherapy. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.

It is important to note that there is no treatment that is better than another, but that the decision will depend on the individual characteristics of the tumor and the patient. It is also important to seek advice from the best specialists in the follow-up process once the tumor has been removed. You can read more about follow-up and “life after tumor" in this article.

What are the risks of spinal cord surgery?

Spinal cord surgery is a delicate and complex procedure, as it involves critical structures such as nerves and the spine. Due to this complexity, there are certain associated risks, such as postoperative complications. However, advances in surgical techniques and the use of technologies such as minimally invasive surgeries have significantly reduced these risks.

It is essential to perform this type of procedure in centers specializing in spinal surgery, where the medical team has the necessary experience and uses the latest approaches.

Prognosis of intramedullary tumors

The prognosis of spinal cord tumors depends on several factors, such as the type of tumor, its location, the speed of growth, and whether it is benign or malignant. To obtain an accurate assessment, it is important to have the evaluation of a specialist physician. Early detection, appropriate intervention, and close medical follow-up are key to improving the prognosis of patients with intramedullary tumors.

For more information consult with our team of spine professionals.