TYPES OF SPINAL TUMORS: SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND RISK FACTORS

Types of Spinal Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors

Types of Spinal Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors

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Spinal tumor is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. According to research, it constitutes 4% to 16% of tumors in the body. However, the percentage is not as high as compared to other tumors, such as the brain or lungs. However, these tumors are deadly as the movement of the whole body and its functioning depends on the spinal cord. Therefore, it is essential to have a proactive approach when it comes to health. In this post, we will explain everything related to spinal tumors for your better understanding. 

What is a Spinal Tumor? Understand the Basics 


A spinal tumor is the abnormal growth of cells within the spinal cord or around the area of the spinal cord. Your spinal cord, or normal spinal cord, often called the backbone, is a long and flexible column of bones. The main function of the spine or backbone is to protect the spinal cord, which is responsible for marinating communication between the brain and the body. 

Furthermore, the spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that runs through the spine and connects the brain with the other parts of the body through the brainstem. Thus, it ultimately helps in the transfer of messages via neurons that are present all over the body. To be precise, the tumors on the spinal cord are not in just one place, but they can be anywhere: 

  • They might be inside the spinal cord

  • The tumors might be present within the tissues of the cord 

  • They might be present between the meninges and bones of the spinal cord 

  • Lastly, the bone vertebrae is another option for the presence of tumors 


The tumors are both benign and malignant. However, if the tumors continue to grow, then it has a direct impact on the functioning of the spinal cord.

Types of Spinal Tumor


According to healthcare experts, there are different types of tumors depending upon the location within spine:

  • If they are present along the spine, then they might be cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacrum.

  • The tumors might be intramedullary or extramural if they are within the spinal cord. 

  • Sometimes, tumors begin in one part of the spine, regarded as a primary spinal tumor, and then move to other parts of the spine, called secondary tumors. 

  • The tumors are often benign, which stands for non-cancerous. They are malignant, too, which are cancerous tumors. 


Risk Factors for Spinal Tumors


It is not sure who gets the spinal tumors as anyone has the chance for it. However, those who are already suffering from any kind of cancer, such as lung, breast, or prostate cancer, have a high likelihood of getting spinal cancer. Further, these tumors are rare and mostly occur at the age of 65 to 75 and 10 to 16. 

According to different studies, the secondary type of spinal cancer is very common. As per research, about 30% to 70% of people suffering from cancer will get secondary spinal tumors. 

Apart from this, medical experts are not sure of the exact cause of spinal cancer. In most of the cases, it is either due to exposure to cancerous substances. 

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Tumors


In the case of cancer of the lungs or heart, there are no specific symptoms. However, in the case of the spine, the symptoms vary depending on its location, type, and size of it. In some cases, the tumors are not big enough to show any symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include the following: 

  • A constant pain in the back, specifically in the middle or lower back.

  • The pain starts slowly and becomes unbearable. Even the therapies and treatments for pain do not work.

  • Sharp radicular pain from the spine to different parts of the body, such as hips, legs, feet, and arms.

  • Loss of sensation in legs, arms, and feet.

  • Continuous spasms

  • Loss of bowel and bladder control

  • Difficulty in maintaining the balance of the body while standing 

  • Paralysis in some parts of the body 


Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors 


The primary tumors do not show any symptoms. Sometimes, people find tumors accidentally when they show up for some other imaging, such as an MRI scan or full body scan. 

However, when the pain in the back becomes unbearable, people assume that something is serious. The healthcare provider asks for symptoms and suggests a CT scan, MRI scan, or a biopsy. Sometimes, doctors also suggest bone scans.

Conclusion 


Spinal tumors are risky as the presence of it has a high tendency to make you lose control of movement. If you are experiencing any symptoms, then do not wait. Search for a full body scan near me or simply go to ViaScan of Las Colinas for an effective scan.

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