If a tumour forms in the spinal column or the vertebrae themselves, we say that you have a spinal tumour. Spinal cord tumours, also known as intradural tumours, are tumours of the spine that develop from the spinal cord or its covering (dura). Vertebral tumours are those that develop in the spinal discs or vertebrae themselves.

Vertebrae, the spinal column, and the spinal cord itself are all potential destinations for the metastasis (spread) of tumours from other regions of the body.

Acute or chronic discomfort, neurological symptoms, and even paralysis can result from a spinal tumour or growth. A tumour in the spinal column can jeopardize a patient’s life and leave them permanently disabled.

The signs that can indicate the presence of spinal tumour:

Depending on the location and size of the tumour pressing on the spinal cord, several symptoms may be present. The spinal cord, nerve roots, spinal blood vessels, and spinal bones could all be affected by the malignancies. Some possible symptoms are:

  • Experiencing localized discomfort because of a tumor’s development.
  • Pain in the back, which may spread to other areas of the body.
  • Sensitivity to pain, heat, and cold decreases
  • Inability to urinate or empty the bowels
  • Difficulty in moving around; may result in falls
  • Back discomfort may be worse at night
  • muscular weakness or loss of feeling, most noticeably in the arms or legs
  • Weakness in your muscles can range from mild to severe, depending on where it occurs.

Spinal tumours often produce back discomfort as one of their first signs. The pain may also radiate to the hips, legs, feet, and arms, and it may get worse over time despite treatment. As you start noticing signs, reach out to the best neurosurgery hospital in Coimbatore to avoid complications.

There are various types of benign and malignant tumours that can affect the spinal cord.

Benign tumours of the spinal cord:

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC):

These are not cancerous tumours but rather cysts that mimic tumours in appearance and response to treatment. The lumbar spine’s back is a common site for ABCs. These cysts affect women more than men, and are typically diagnosed in the teen or early adult years.

Giant Cell Tumor (GCT):

The sacrum and the front of the spinal column are frequent locations for this highly malignant tumour. Women in their 30s and 40s make up the majority of patients.

Hemangioma:

This benign tumour typically develops in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine and strikes middle-aged women. In the vast majority of cases, this growth is completely harmless.

Osteoid Osteoma:

Most people with this tumour type are male, and they tend to be diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. They typically show up in the back of the lumbar spine. Spinal deformity is a common complication of these malignancies.

Osteoblastoma:

Although they resemble osteoid osteomas, these tumours are much more severe and uncommon. They typically manifest in the lower back (lumbar spine) of men in their twenties and thirties.

The major types of malignant tumours of the spinal cord can include:

Chordoma:

These tumours tend to affect middle-aged men, namely those between the sexes. This sort of tumour typically develops in the sacrum and requires surgical removal. Because these tumours frequently arise near nerve roots, spinal cord tumour surgery may need the excision of the affected nerves.

Osteosarcoma:

Though relatively uncommon, these tumours tend to manifest themselves in young male patients. They are typically extremely malignant and metastasize rapidly.

Chondrosarcoma:

Though relatively uncommon, these tumours tend to manifest themselves in young male patients. They are typically extremely malignant and metastasize rapidly.

Plasmacytoma:

These tumours are called round-cell tumours because of how they look under a microscope. They might occur as one tumour or as many tumours. They are frequently present on the thoracic or lumbar portions of the spine in individuals over the age of 50.

Multiple Myeloma:

These round-cell tumours are the most frequent kind of bone cancer in adults. Patients are usually elderly, between the ages of 50 and 80. These cancers normally respond effectively to chemotherapy and radiation recommended by a neurosurgery specialist.

Lymphoma:

These round cell tumours are most likely of the non-Hodgkin’s kind and are typically detected in many locations of the body. Patients between 40 and 60 years of age make up the majority of patients.

Ewing’s Sarcoma:

This is a very malignant round-cell tumour most typically encountered in youngsters. Most are found in the sacral portion of the spine. Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate is less than 20% for patients with this form of malignancy.

What might be the causes that can lead to spinal cord tumours?

The causes of most spinal tumours remain mysterious. Defective genes are suspected to play a role, according to experts. However, it is sometimes unclear whether such genetic abnormalities are inherited or emerge over time. Environmental factors, such as contact with hazardous chemicals, could be to blame. However, spinal cord tumours are associated with certain genetic diseases, such as neurofibromatosis type 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease, in some people.

The treatment options that can help in getting recovery from spinal cord tumours:

The ideal goal of treating a spinal tumour is to completely remove the tumour, although this may be difficult to do due to the danger of irreparable damage to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Your age and general health are also important factors for doctors to consider.

Whether the tumour originated in the spinal cord, spinal canal, or elsewhere in the body is just one of many factors that must be taken into account when designing a therapeutic strategy. Speak to your specialist to understand the spine surgery cost to help you make a decision.

Monitoring:

Some spinal tumours are found in the early stages, before they create any symptoms, usually during the course of another medical evaluation. There may be no need for treatment if a tiny tumour is not spreading or putting pressure on nearby tissues.

Surgery:

When a tumour can be removed with a tolerable risk of spinal cord or nerve harm, this is often the therapy of choice.

Neurosurgeons now have the tools and technology to remove tumours that were previously inoperable. Microsurgery uses powerful microscopes to differentiate between malignancy and healthy tissue.

To further reduce the likelihood of damaging the spinal cord or other vital nerves, surgeons can keep tabs on how their patients’ bodies are responding to anaesthesia. Extremely high-pitched sound waves may be used to disintegrate tumours before they are surgically removed.

Outlook of the condition:

Whether the tumour in the spine is primary or metastatic, and whether it is benign or malignant, all play major roles in determining the prognosis. When dealing with primary tumours, total tumour removal is preferred since it increases the likelihood that cancer will be cured. Consult the best neurosurgeon in Coimbatore to avail proper treatment for spinal tumours.