Spinal tumors can cause pain and neurological symptoms. The evaluation includes a neurological exam and a review of your imaging to define treatment.
Common symptoms
- Persistent back pain
- Pain at night or that keeps getting worse
- Weakness in the legs
- Tingling or numbness
- Difficulty walking
- Changes in sensation
Treatment options
From least to most invasive. The choice is made after reviewing your symptoms and your imaging.
- 1Neurological evaluation
- 2Review or ordering of an MRI
- 3Treatment plan (monitoring, medical care or surgery)
- 4Surgical planning when indicated
What symptoms can a spinal or spinal cord tumor cause?
The most common symptom is persistent back pain that gets worse at night or does not improve with rest. It may come with weakness or numbness in the legs, difficulty walking or changes in bladder or bowel control. These symptoms need a prompt evaluation.
Are all spinal tumors cancer?
No. Many are benign, such as meningiomas or schwannomas, and others are metastases from cancer elsewhere in the body. The type of tumor, its location and its relationship to the spinal cord determine whether it is monitored, removed or combined with other treatments.
How is a spinal tumor diagnosed?
With a contrast MRI, which shows the tumor and its relationship to the spinal cord and nerves. Depending on the case, a CT scan, lab tests or a biopsy are added. The neurological exam shows how urgent treatment is.
Frequently asked questions
How are spinal tumors detected?
With a clinical evaluation and imaging, mainly an MRI.
What are the most common symptoms?
Persistent back pain, weakness, changes in sensation and trouble walking.
Is surgery always required?
Not always. It depends on the type, location and symptoms, and is decided after the evaluation and imaging.
How urgent is it?
It depends on neurological involvement. If there is rapid deterioration, it is considered urgent.