Options for Spine Tumor Treatment
Spine tumors can have profound effects on individuals as things that may have been taken for granted — walking, standing, and sleeping — become much more difficult. Spine tumors press on nerves and can limit movement and lead to pain if not treated early.
Every tumor looks different, and treatment plans will vary depending on the tumor and its severity. This article walks through what spine tumors are, how they're diagnosed, and the treatment options available for patients.
Understanding Spine Tumors
Spine tumors fall into two main categories: primary and metastatic. Both are abnormal growths of cells within or around the spinal cord and spine.
Primary spine tumors originate in the spine and can form in the vertebrae, the spinal cord, or the surrounding tissue, and are relatively uncommon. Primary spine tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Metastatic spine tumors are malignant tumors and occur more frequently than primary spine tumors. Metastatic spine tumors occur when cancer from another part of the body spreads. Typically, this will be from cancer of the lungs, breasts, prostate, or kidneys spreading to the spine.
Malignant spine tumors
Malignant spine tumors are one of the rarest forms of cancer, with the odds of receiving a diagnosis of this kind at less than 1%, according to The American Cancer Society.
Spine tumor locations
Both benign and malignant spine tumors appear in the following areas:
- Within the spinal cord (intramedullary)
- Within protective membranes (intradural-extramedullary)
- Tumors develop in the tissues that cover the spinal cord but remain outside the cord
- Outside the membranes (extradural)
- Commonly found in the vertebrae.
- Around or on the nerves
Spine tumors can also form in different regions of the spine: the neck (cervical), the mid-back (thoracic), the lower back (lumbar), and the base (sacral).
The exact position of the tumor and type will often determine the type of pain or neurological changes each patient experiences.
Causes of spine tumors
Sadly, the causes of spine tumors remain unclear. Some can be linked to genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis or von Hippel-Lindau disease, which increase the risk of tumor development. Most spine tumors, however, occur without any known reason.
Spine Tumor Symptoms
Due to spine tumors developing in different places, symptoms can vary, and there is no one single symptom that is indicative of a spine tumor.
- Pain at or around the tumor site: This can often be the first symptom, resulting from nerve or structural tension. It can signal that a tumor is pressing on bones or tissues of the spine.
- Radiating back pain: For example, pain in the back may spread into a limb or across the torso. The pain is a result of the tumor affecting nearby nerves.
- Numbness or sensitivity to heat and cold: Spine tumors may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or reduced sensitivity to temperature changes. Such symptoms may show that a tumor is affecting sensory nerve pathways or is putting pressure on sensory nerves.
- Inability to control bowel or bladder function: These are critical signs of nerve or spinal cord compression or pressure.
- Trouble walking or balancing: Coordination or motor pathways may be impacted by spine tumors.
- Increased nighttime back pain: Tumor-related pain may be heightened while one is at rest or lying down.
- Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness in the limbs can suggest that the tumor is disrupting motor nerve pathways, which can lead to loss of function if left untreated.
What Happens If a Spine Tumor Isn't Treated?
There are many potential consequences to not having a spine tumor evaluated and treated, which include:
- Tumor growth increasing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to progressive neurological damage
- Continued nerve compression leading to irreversible loss of function
- Structural damage leading to spinal instability or vertebral fractures
- Increased risk of incontinence
- Reduced treatment options due to the tumor spreading
- Worsening symptoms such as muscle wasting, reduced independence, and increased risks of falls
Diagnosing Spine Tumors
When it comes to diagnosing spine tumors, early and accurate diagnosis is critical.
Detecting a tumor before it causes lasting nerve damage can preserve strength, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Specialists use several methods to pinpoint both the presence of a spine tumor and the location of abnormal growths.
The first step is a physical examination, during which a doctor checks reflexes, muscle strength, balance, and sensitivity to touch or temperature. Subtle changes, such as weakness in one limb or residual pain in a certain area, can reveal where the spinal cord or nerves might be under pressure.
Neurological exams give physicians the opportunity to examine the affected nerves more thoroughly to determine which are affected. These tests include assessing coordination, fine motor skills, and walking patterns. Even the smallest deficit can guide where imaging needs to focus.
Imaging is the next step. Imaging can confirm what exams suggest and provide valuable information about how treatment should proceed.
- X-rays are used to provide a look at the spine's structure. They can reveal evidence of bone erosion, deformities, and fractures caused by tumors.
- CT Scans can give a clearer, layered image of the spine. CT scans are used to assess bone involvement or guide biopsies.
- MRI scans can help generate a detailed picture of the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding tissues. They can also give an idea of a tumor’s size, location, and whether it's encroaching on critical structures.
Spine Tumor Treatment Options
Treatment for spine tumors will depend on the type, size, and position, but common goals are to reduce pressure, control pain, and protect nerve function.
Targeted drugs and steroids can also be used to slow cell growth and help relieve pressure. Surgery is an option when tumor removal is possible. If full removal is not safe or practical, parietal excision can ease compression before radiation is used on the remaining tumor.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are treatment options, too.
- Radiation therapy is for when residual tissue remains or surgery isn't an option and involves high-energy beams focused directly on the tumor.
- Chemotherapy can be added for metastatic or aggressive cancers and is often used alongside radiation.
Our Approach to Spine Tumor Care
At Dickinson Neurosurgery, each patient receiving spine tumor care is treated with a tailored plan. Each step from diagnosis to recovery is one built around the preservation of movement and quality of life. Our team uses diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical techniques to develop a collaborative approach involving surgeons, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists.
Our approach isn't just about removing a tumor; it's about helping patients regain confidence in their bodies.
Local, Professional for Spine Tumor Treatment
Expert spine tumor treatment is available in Idaho Falls from a team that can provide diagnosis, guidance, and caring, professional treatment geared toward full rehabilitation.
Call (208) 542-4181 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with a trusted local specialist.