Spinal Cord Tumors — Types, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment Options

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Transparent human silhouette with glowing orange spine on a blue background, highlighting the skeletal structure and spinal column.

A spinal cord tumor is a cluster of abnormal cells that arise in or around the spinal cord — a bundle of nerve tissue extending from the base of the brain down through the vertebral column. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body, and even small tumors can affect critical nerve function.

Spinal cord tumors are rare, accounting for only a small percentage of all central nervous system tumors. Most are non-cancerous (benign), while a smaller proportion are malignant (cancerous).

Types of Spinal Cord Tumors

Diagram of the spinal cord and vertebra with labels: white and grey matter, dorsal root, spinal nerves, disc, vertebral body.

Spinal cord tumors are classified by their location relative to the spinal cord and protective layers:

1. Intramedullary Tumors

These occur within the spinal cord substance itself. They arise from nerve cells or supporting cells. Examples include:

Ependymomas
Astrocytomas
Hemangioblastomas Symptoms often begin gradually and may include pain and neurologic deficits.

2. Intradural Extramedullary Tumors

These tumors occur inside the dura (protective membrane) but outside the spinal cord. Common types include:

Meningiomas
Schwannomas
Neurofibromas Although outside the cord itself, these tumors compress it or nerve roots, causing symptoms.

3. Extradural Tumors

These grow outside the dura mater, often in the vertebrae. The most frequent extradural tumors are metastatic, meaning they spread from cancers elsewhere (e.g., breast, lung, prostate).

Key fact: While noncancerous tumors make up the majority of primary spinal tumors, metastatic tumors (those spreading from other parts of the body) are more common overall.

How Common Are Spinal Cord Tumors?

Diagram of spinal cord with highlighted red area showing a pinched nerve. Text reads "Pinched Nerve (Spinal Cord)" and "area of herniation".

Spinal cord tumors are uncommon:

They make up a small proportion of all central nervous system tumors.
Primary spinal tumors occur in roughly 0.9 per 100,000 people for non-malignant and 0.16 per 100,000 for malignant tumors annually.
In large population studies, most spinal cord tumors (about 69%) are non-malignant.

Although rare, early detection can substantially affect outcomes.

Causes & Risk Factors

The precise cause of most spinal cord tumors is unknown. Tumors arise when cell DNA changes, prompting cells to multiply uncontrollably and avoid normal cell death.

Some inherited conditions increase risk:

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and Type 2 (NF2) — genetic disorders that predispose to nerve tumors.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease — a rare inherited condition causing vascular tumors including hemangioblastomas.

Unlike some cancers, spinal cord tumors cannot be prevented, and most occur sporadically.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms tend to appear gradually and often depend on tumor location and growth speed. Common early symptoms include:

Local Spine Symptoms

Pain near the tumor, often worse at night and not relieved by activity.
Pain may radiate to nearby areas as nerves are compressed.

Neurological Symptoms

As tumors grow and press on the spinal cord or nerve roots, additional symptoms can occur:

Weakness or loss of muscle strength below the tumor level.
Numbness or changes in sensation, including reduced sensitivity to pain, heat, or cold.
Difficulty walking or frequent falls due to muscle weakness or balance issues.
Loss of bladder or bowel control due to nerve compression.

In children, symptoms may also include changes in posture or gait and loss of mobility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a spinal cord tumor typically involves:

Neurological examination — to assess strength, reflexes, and sensation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — the gold standard for visualizing spinal tumors.
CT scans or myelography in specific cases. Once a tumor is identified, biopsy or surgical tissue analysis may be recommended to determine its type and aggressiveness.

Treatment Options

A person undergoes a medical scan, lying on a table in a gown, surrounded by blue and green laser beams in a futuristic, clinical setting.

Treatment varies widely depending on tumor type, location, and patient health. Common approaches include:

1. Surgery

The primary goal is to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible while preserving neurologic function. Early resection may improve outcomes and prevent further neurologic decline.

2. Radiation Therapy

Used when tumors can’t be fully removed surgically or to treat malignant or recurrent tumors.

3. Chemotherapy

Often used for malignant tumors or in combination with radiation. Novel targeted therapies may also be considered. Often a combination of therapies is used to balance tumor control with preservation of quality of life.

Prognosis & Outcomes

Because spinal cord tumors vary so much in behavior:

Benign tumors often have a good prognosis, with high survival rates and relief of symptoms after treatment.
Malignant tumors typically have a more guarded prognosis, depending on the subtype, size, and spread.

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly influence long-term function and quality of life.

Complications

Tumors that compress the spinal cord can lead to:

Permanent loss of sensation or motor function below the tumor.
Bowel or bladder dysfunction.
Progressive weakness and disability if left untreated.

Ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, and supportive care play essential roles in recovery and quality of life.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent or worsening back or neck pain.
Pain that worsens at night.
Weakness, numbness, or gait difficulties.
Loss of bladder or bowel control. Even if symptoms are subtle, early evaluation allows for earlier detection and management.

Key Takeaways

Spinal cord tumors are rare growths that can occur inside or near the spinal cord.
Most tumors are benign; malignant tumors are less common but tend to grow more aggressively.
Symptoms include pain, sensory changes, weakness, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly influence outcomes.

A multidisciplinary approach combining neurosurgery, oncology, and rehabilitation offers the best chance of preserving neurologic function and improving quality of life.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.