Overview

Tumours of the spinal cord are abnormal growths that can appear inside the spinal column or nearby tissues. Numerous neurological symptoms can be caused by these tumours, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat. This post will thoroughly summarise spinal cord tumour causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

Causes of Spinal Cord Tumours

Although the precise causes of spinal cord tumours are not fully understood, research indicates that exposure to certain environmental conditions or genetic abnormalities may play a role. The following are some risk factors for spinal cord tumours:

- Genetic Condition: Genetic diseases such as neurofibromatosis: Spinal cord tumour risk might be raised by a rare genetic ailment called neurofibromatosis. Non Cancerous tumours, particularly those that can harm the spinal cord, can grow in neurofibromatosis patients due to genetic abnormalities.
- Radiation exposure: The chance of acquiring spinal cord tumours can rise with prolonged exposure to high doses of radiation, such as during cancer treatment. Some forms of spinal cord cancers, particularly meningiomas, can also be brought on by radiation therapy.
- Immune system weakness: People with compromised immune systems, such as HIV or those receiving therapy for autoimmune illnesses, may be more likely to develop spinal cord tumours. This might be brought about by the immune system's diminished capacity to recognise and eliminate aberrant cells.
- Previous spinal cord damage or surgery: Having previously experienced either of these conditions may raise your risk of acquiring spinal cord tumours. The spinal cord may experience changes such as scar tissue or other modifications that favour the development of aberrant cells. Additionally, tissue or cells from a prior operation may be left behind and eventually develop into cancer.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Tumours

The signs and symptoms of spinal cord tumours might change based on the tumour's position and size. However, common signs of spinal cord tumours include the following:

- Backache: Persistent back discomfort is one of the common signs of spinal cord tumours. The discomfort could be localised or spread to other body areas. Movement or activity may worsen the pain, while rest or painkillers may not help.
- Numbness: Spinal cord tumours may result in numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, or other body parts. Daily tasks such as walking and item gripping may become challenging as a result.
- Walking difficulties: Spinal cord tumours can also impair balance, coordination, and walking. This could result from muscle weakness, numbness, or loss of feeling or control in the legs or feet.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control: The inability to regulate one's bowels or bladder can occasionally be brought on by spinal cord tumours. This could be a dangerous symptom that needs to be treated right away by a doctor.
- Tingling or electric shock-like sensations: Arms, legs, or other body portions may experience tingling, prickling, or electric shock-like symptoms due to spinal cord tumours. This can indicate that the tumour has irritated or damaged the nerves.
- Spasticity or cramping of the muscles: Spinal cord tumours can also result in spasms or cramps of the muscles, especially in the arms, legs, or back. These cramps can be uncomfortable and impede daily motion and activities.

Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Tumours

Since the symptoms of spinal cord tumours often resemble those of other neurological illnesses, making the diagnosis can be difficult. A clinician may use a physical examination and imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to determine the presence of a spinal cord tumour. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy may be required in some circumstances.

Options for Spinal Cord Tumours Treatment

The location, size, and kind of the tumour, as well as the patient's age and general health, all affect the therapy options for spinal cord tumours. However, the following are some typical spinal cord tumour treatments:

- Surgery: Surgical resection may be advised to eliminate as much of the tumour as feasible.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to reduce or stop the growth of the tumour.
- Chemotherapy: To eradicate cancer cells, chemotherapy may be combined with radiation treatment or surgery.

Treatment in some circumstances may concentrate on symptom management and life-quality enhancement.

Prognosis of Spinal Cord Tumours

Depending on the type and stage of the tumour, the effectiveness of treatment, and other factors, the prognosis for people with spinal cord tumours might change. The prognosis of spinal cord tumours is often better for those detected early and treated aggressively. To create a treatment plan and track the tumour's development over time, it's crucial to collaborate closely with a medical team.

When to Consult a Doctor

Timely medical intervention can help cure many of these ailments or help in managing them. You can also get in touch with the expert Neurology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during brain injury, neurological disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Although spinal cord tumours can be difficult to diagnose and cure, many people can control their symptoms and live healthy lives with the correct treatment. To get an accurate diagnosis and the best course of treatment if you have symptoms of a spinal cord tumour, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

FAQ's

Q. What three varieties of spinal cord tumours are there? Three primary varieties of spinal cord tumours exist:

- Intradural-extramedullary tumours: Tumours that develop inside the covering of the spinal cord but outside the spinal cord are known as intradural-extramedullary tumours. Although they often do not enter the spinal cord, they can compress and harm the nerves.
- Intramedullary tumours: Tumours that develop inside the actual spinal cord tissue are known as intramedullary tumours. They are uncommon and might be challenging to remove without injuring the nearby nerves.
- Extradural tumours develop away from the spinal cord and its protective sheath. They are typically metastatic tumours, which means that they originated in the breast, lung, or prostate before spreading to the spine.

Q. What impact do tumours have on the spinal cord? A. By compressing or harming the nerve fibres that carry messages to and from the brain, tumours in the spinal cord can interfere with the nervous system's ability to operate normally. A tumour's symptoms can include discomfort, numbness, weakness, loss of sensation, trouble walking, and loss of bowel or bladder control, depending on the tumour's size and location. In addition, the surrounding tissues may expand, become inflamed, or even suffer injury as the tumour spreads and exerts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Tumours occasionally also result in the spinal cord shifting from its natural position, aggravating the symptoms.

Reference:

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757655/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17500-spinal-tumors
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350103