A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue inside or around the spinal column or spinal cord. These cells thrive and reproduce inexorably, seemingly unaffected by the systems that regulate regular cells. Spinal tumors are classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Primary tumors form in the spinal cord or spine, whereas secondary or metastatic tumors form when cancer spreads to the spine from another area. Consult a professional today to get more information on spinal tumors Edison.
What is a spinal tumor?
A spinal cord tumor is a growth of cells inside or around the spinal cord or spinal column that is abnormal. The spine (also referred to as the backbone) is a long, flexible bone column that supports your spinal cord. It runs from the base of your head to your tailbone, part of your pelvis.
A spinal cord is a cylinder-shaped structure that goes from the brainstem to the bottom back of your spine. It comprises nerve bundles and cells that convey information from your brain to the rest of your body and from your body to your brain.
Spinal tumors can develop in the following locations:
- In the tissues covering your spinal cord.
- Within your spinal cord.
- In the bony vertebrae of your spine.
- Between the meninges and bones of your spine (extradural).
Spinal tumors are classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If the tumor grows, it might cause harm to several tissues in your spinal column.
Primary spinal tumors are tumors that begin in your spine or spinal cord. Secondary spinal tumors are caused by cancer that has made its way to your spine from another part of your body. Primary spinal cancers are substantially less prevalent than metastatic spinal tumors.
Spinal tumor symptoms
Spinal cord tumors can cause a variety of indications and symptoms, particularly as the tumor grows. Tumors might harm your nerve roots, spinal cord, blood vessels, or spine bones. Among the symptoms are:
- Feeling less sensitive to pain, heat, and cold
- Back discomfort that commonly radiates to other regions of the body
- Tumor development causes pain at the tumor’s location.
- Back pain that is worse at night
- Difficulty walking, which can lead to falls.
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Muscle weakness in various sections of your body, which can be slight or severe
- Sensation loss or muscular weakness, particularly in the arms or legs
Early symptoms of spinal tumors include back discomfort. Pain may also migrate to your legs, hips, feet, or arms, increasing over time despite therapy.
The progression of spinal tumors varies based on the kind of tumor. Consult your doctor for more information specific to your condition.