The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system and, yes, like any other part of the body it too can develop cancer, though it is extremely rare.
A mass of cells growing within or around the spinal cord is a spinal tumor. The cells may also spread from other sites in the body. Most times, spinal tumors grow between the membranes and the bones of the spinal cord.
If they are primary in origin they start in the spine while secondary tumors spread or metastasize from the breast, lungs, or thyroid. Doctors have not yet been able to establish what causes primary spinal tumors one theory being that they are linked to genetic defects. Primary tumors spread more slowly than secondary tumors.
As it begins to grow, the tumor spreads and has an effect on the nerve roots, spinal cord cells, blood vessels, and the bones of the spine itself. It begins to compress the nerve roots, attacks normal cells, and blocks blood vessels so that there is a lack of oxygen. This is when the symptoms begin to manifest themselves.
Tumors within the spinal cord begin to affect large portions of the body so the symptoms are more obvious; whereas, tumors outside the spinal cord grow over time before resulting in nerve damage.
Symptoms include progressively worsening pain in any part of the back, which extends to the hip or the limbs; the pain may be localized to the spine and is usually not relieved by any pain medication; the pain is made worse by lying down or by coughing or sneezing or undertaking any kind of strain.
The victim will suffer abnormal sensations (coldness in limbs) or even experience a loss of sensation and muscle weakness, especially in the legs, which will progressively increase walking may be difficult and may result in frequent falls.
Fecal and urinary incontinence are possible symptoms. There will also be a loss in muscle function while muscle tone increases with uncharacteristic reflexes. There is also the possibility of losing the sensation of pain and temperature. Some tumors cause tenderness of the spine.
The doctor may advise a spinal CT and MRI as well as a spine x-ray. A myelogram may also be suggested to locate the tumor site here a dye is injected into the spinal fluid.
Cerebrospinal fluid may be examined as cell studies of it sometimes show up tumors.
Spinal cord cancer treatment will seek to avoid or lessen the nerve damage that results from the compression of the spinal cord. Treatment should start as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent any new pains starting up.
Medication that reduces inflammatory tendencies can be given. Surgery is an option to remove the tumor partially or wholly so as to relieve the pressure on the spine. Radiation can be part of the treatment in addition to surgery.
Chemotherapy may or may not be advised as it has not proved wholly effective against spinal cord tumors. Physical therapy is also a must to improve muscle tone and function.
Early treatment of spinal cord cancer can provide a good prognosis. Nerve damage may exist even after surgery, which could be permanent, causing severe disability.
Respond to medication and the symptoms mentioned above affect you then get medical help immediately. If you have a history of cancer also you should immediately seek medical opinion.
While spinal cord tumors are rarer than other cancers, once the symptoms indicate that it is a possibility you should consult a physician immediately so that the prognosis can be improved. Don’t delay in such cases.
