Spine Tumors

A spine tumor is a growth of cells (a mass) within the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or around the spinal cord.

Tumors are either benign or malignant. Benign spine tumors do not spread from their original location but may be “locally aggressive.” Malignant tumors are cancers that can spread their cancer cells to other parts of the body. Whether the tumor spreads or not, a spine tumor can threaten life, irritate or injure the spinal cord and nerves, and cause permanent disability. Most malignant tumors of the spine are a result of spread from another site (such as breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, kidney or gastrointestinal tract).

Malignant (cancerous) tumors can spread to other parts of the body. They may arise in the spine or they may arise from other parts of the body and travel to the spine. The most common malignant tumors arising in the spine are chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma.

Symptoms of spine tumors typically include pain or weakness. The vast majority of patients complain of constant “aching” or “gnawing” pain localized to the location of the tumor mechanical pain around the tumor aggravated by movement, or radiating “shooting” nerve pain (down the arms, legs or around the chest and belly) related to nerves that are irritated or compressed by the tumor. Patients may also feel night time pain preventing them from sleeping and or experience night sweats and chills. Some patients may experience weakness in the arms or legs due to compression of nerves or spinal cord. In some cases, the compression may lead to problems with urine function, sexual function, or bowel function. Some patients may have a tumor diagnosed by a test and could experience no symptoms at all.

The evaluation of a spinal tumor is to get a detailed history. This may include checking for swelling, tenderness and other possible sites of involvement as well as evaluating motion, alignment and strength of arms and legs. A neurologic examination may also be done. This may include tests of sensory (temperature, pain and pressure sensitivity), motor (muscle strength) and reflex functions of the nervous system. In addition, X-rays may be necessary to look for tumors or dislocations. Other tests such as Bone Scans can identify tumors months before X-rays. Often computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be ordered to determine the extent of disease.

In an effort to determine the origin of the tumor and whether it is benign or malignant, you will need a biopsy.