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Read MoreSpinal Cord Tumour Symptoms: Expert Care at Bhaskar Hospital with Dr. Kundan Kumar, M.B.B.S., M.S., DNB
Spinal cord tumours, also called spinal tumours, are abnormal growths in or around the spine. These growths may be harmless or cancerous and can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size and location.
Some tumours grow within the spinal cord, while others develop around it, potentially impacting movement, sensation, and nerve function.
Dr Kundan Kumar, M.B.B.S., M.S., DNB, at Bhaskar Hospital in Bareilly, provides specialised care and support for individuals dealing with spinal cord tumours.
Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of spinal cord tumours, the different types, how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options available.
What Are Spinal Cord Tumours?
A spinal cord tumour is an abnormal mass that forms inside or around the spinal cord or spinal column.
These tumours, such as spinal tumours, vertebral tumours, and spinal cord tumours, can originate in the spine or spread from other parts of the body.
They may grow slowly and remain non-cancerous, while others could be cancerous, like a cancerous tumour on vertebrae or a mass on the spine.
Common Spinal Cord Tumour Symptoms
Recognising spinal cord tumour symptoms early can greatly improve the treatment outcome. Here are common signs to watch for:
- Chronic Back Pain
- Consistent back pain is often the first sign of a spinal tumour. This pain may spread to other areas, such as arms, legs, or hips, depending on the tumour’s location.
- Muscle Weakness and Coordination Issues
- A tumour pressing on spinal nerves may lead to muscle weakness in the arms or legs, causing difficulties with balance or movement.
- Numbness or Tingling
- Tumours pressing on nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or a loss of feeling in areas like the arms, legs, or chest.
- Bowel or Bladder Problems
- A tumour pressing on certain nerves can cause loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Paralysis
- In severe cases, untreated spinal cord tumours may cause partial or full paralysis.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a spinal specialist. Dr. Kundan Kumar at Bhaskar Hospital in Bareilly can provide a full evaluation and guidance.
Types of Spinal Cord Tumours
Spinal cord tumours can vary by location, growth, and potential risk. Here are the main types:
- Intradural Tumours
- These tumours grow within the spinal cord’s covering and may be benign or malignant.
- Extramedullary Tumours
- Located outside the spinal cord, these tumours can press on nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Primary and Secondary Tumours
- Primary tumours begin in the spine, while secondary tumours spread to the spine from other body parts.
Conditions and Terms Related to Spinal Tumours
Certain terms are often associated with spinal tumours:
- Vertebral Tumour Symptoms
- Vertebral tumours can cause back pain, nerve dysfunction, and muscle weakness.
- Spinal Malignancy Symptoms
- Cancerous tumours may lead to persistent and intense pain, which requires urgent treatment.
- Neoplasm of Spinal Cord
- A neoplasm, or unusual tissue growth, in the spinal cord, may need treatment based on its type and size.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of spinal cord tumours is unknown, certain factors may increase the risk:
- Genetic Disorders
- Some inherited conditions, like neurofibromatosis, may increase the risk of spinal tumours.
- Cancer Spread (Metastasis)
- Secondary tumours can occur due to cancer spreading from organs like the lungs or breasts.
- Environmental Factors
- Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may also raise the risk.
Diagnosing Spinal Cord Tumours
When symptoms of a spinal cord tumour are present, a diagnosis is crucial. Dr Kundan Kumar at Bhaskar Hospital offers a range of tests to detect spinal tumours, such as:
- MRI Scans
- MRI is the most common imaging tool for spinal tumours as it clearly shows soft tissues.
- CT Scans and X-Rays
- These scans help assess the spine’s structure and detect vertebrae involvement.
- Biopsy
- A biopsy may be done to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant.
- Neurological Exam
- A basic exam can identify any nerve-related issues that may signal a tumour.
Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Tumours
Spinal cord tumour treatment is customized based on the tumour’s type, size, and location. Here are common treatment approaches:
- Surgery
- If the tumour can be removed safely, surgery may be an option. Procedures like laminectomy, discectomy, and microdiscectomy are commonly used.
- Radiation Therapy
- Radiation targets cancerous tumours, either post-surgery or as the primary treatment.
- Chemotherapy
- Certain malignant tumours may be treated with chemotherapy to control growth.
- Medication
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications are used to manage symptoms.
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation can help improve strength and mobility, especially if the tumour has affected movement.
For those dealing with spinal tumours, it is crucial to get specialized treatment. Dr. Kundan Kumar at Bhaskar Hospital can provide effective, personalized care.
Symptoms Specific to Vertebral Tumours
Tumours on the vertebrae or spinal column may cause additional symptoms like:
- Persistent Back Pain
- Pain focused around the tumour area, worsening with movement.
- Radiating Pain
- Pain that radiates down arms or legs, caused by nerve compression.
- Weakness or Nerve Symptoms
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness due to nerve pressure.
If these symptoms sound familiar, consulting a spinal expert is advised. Dr Kundan Kumar and the team at Bhaskar Hospital provide specialized care for vertebral and spinal tumours.
Surgical Treatments for Spinal Tumours
Some common surgeries for spinal tumours include:
- Spine Decompression and Fusion
- Decompression relieves nerve pressure, and fusion stabilizes the spine.
- Corpectomy and Laminectomy
- Corpectomy removes part of the vertebra, while laminectomy reduces pressure on the spine.
- Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- A minimally invasive option using small incisions, reducing recovery time.
- Spinal Fusion
- Fusion connects adjacent vertebrae for stability after tumour removal.
- Microdiscectomy
- This minimally invasive procedure removes damaged disc material to relieve nerve pressure.
Long-Term Care for Spinal Cord Tumour Patients
With early detection and treatment, patients with spinal cord tumours have a good chance of recovery. Post-treatment follow-up is essential, and many patients return to a normal lifestyle with ongoing care.
The long-term outlook depends on the tumour’s size, location, and treatment. Regular monitoring and treatment for recurring symptoms are key to staying healthy.
When to See a Specialist
If you experience ongoing back pain, muscle weakness, or other symptoms of spinal tumours, consulting a specialist can provide relief and clarity.
Dr Kundan Kumar, M.B.B.S., M.S., DNB, at Bhaskar Hospital in Bareilly, is a skilled expert in diagnosing and treating spinal tumours.
Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chances for successful recovery, so don’t wait to seek help.
Bhaskar Hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality care for individuals facing spinal tumours and related conditions.
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