Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Tumor - spinal cordDefinition Return to top
A spinal tumor is a growth of cells (mass) within or surrounding the spinal cord.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Spinal tumors can occur inside the cord (intramedullary), within the meninges (membranes) covering the spinal cord (extramedullary - intradural), between the meninges and the bones of the spine (extradural), or they may extend from other locations.
Most spinal tumors are extradural. They may be primary tumors originating in the spine, or secondary tumors that are the result of the spread of cancer (metastasis) from other locations -- primarily the lung, breast, prostate, kidney, or thyroid gland.
Any type of tumor may occur in the spine, including lymphoma, leukemic tumors, myeloma, and others. A small percentage of spinal tumors occur within the nerves of the spinal cord itself, most often consisting of ependymomas and other gliomas.
The cause of primary spinal tumors is unknown. Some primary spinal tumors are associated with genetic defects. A spinal tumor is much less common than a primary brain tumor.
As it grows, the tumor affects the spinal cord cells, nerve roots, meninges, blood vessels, or the bones of the spine. It causes symptoms because of compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots (similar to spinal cord trauma), invasion of normal cells by the tumor, or ischemia (lack of oxygen) that results from blockage of blood vessels.
Symptoms Return to top
The symptoms vary depending on the location, type of the tumor, and the general health of the person. Metastatic tumors (those that have spread to the spine from another site) often progress quickly, while primary tumors often progress slowly over weeks to years.
Intramedullary (within the spinal cord) tumors usually cause symptoms, sometimes over large portions of the body. Extramedullary (outside the spinal cord) tumors may grow for quite some time before causing nerve damage.
Signs and tests Return to top
A neurologic examination may indicate the location of the tumor. Spastic weakness may be present, with increased muscle tone and abnormal reflexes.
Pain and temperature sensation may be lost simultaneously with -- or independently of -- other sensation losses. There is often localized spine tenderness on examination of the back, which is more pronounced with epidural tumors.
These tests may confirm spinal tumor:
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to reduce or prevent nerve damage from compression of the spinal cord. The most important aspect of treatment is that it be given quickly, so any new or unexplained back pain in a patient with cancer should be taken seriously.Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies. Early diagnosis and treatment usually leads to a better outcome. Nerve damage may persist even after surgery. Although permanent disability is likely, treatment may delay the development of major disability and may delay death.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have a history of cancer and suddenly develop severe back pain.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |