Spinal tumors are an abnormal mass of tissue that are benign or malignant that, if not treated, will grow and spread until they reach vital organs and disrupt the normal functions of the body. The number-one cause of death in people with spinal tumors is cancer. A common misconception is that patients who have a spinal tumor are in the hospital for a long time. The truth is that the average stay for a neurosurgical patient with a spinal tumor is actually eight days.
Spinal tumors affect people of all ages.
Treatment options vary based on the type and size of the tumor, and it’s important to speak with a neurosurgeon to determine the best approach for you. However, there are several different types of spinal tumors that require different treatments. To help you understand the causes, symptoms, and types of spinal tumors, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Causes of Spinal Tumor
Causes are unknown up to this date due to its rare. Some of them may be attributed to exposure to cancer-causing agents.
Back pain is the most frequent symptom of both benign and malignant spinal tumors. However, the pain may increase with activity and can be worse at night when lying down. Pain may spread beyond the back to the hips, legs, feet or arms and may worsen over time.
Other signs and symptoms can develop, especially as a tumor grows and compresses on the spinal cord, the nerve roots, blood vessels or bones of the spine.
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Abnormal gait
- Loss of sense of position in space
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Difficulty walking in the dark
- General mid-back pain
- Pain at night
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Paralysis to varying degrees
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
It’s very important to get the facts straight when it comes to spinal tumors. Because there is so much conflicting information, it’s easy to assume the worst. This is why it’s helpful to speak to a neurosurgeon who focuses on spinal tumors.
Neurosurgeons that specialize in treating spinal tumors are uniquely trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat spinal tumors in a thorough and precise manner. They are experts in fields such as minimally invasive surgery and spinal instrumentation.
As you can see, there is a lot to know about spinal tumors. To get answers to your most pressing questions, schedule a consultation today.
