SPINAL-CORD TUMOR

General Information

DEFINITION--An abnormal growth that compresses the spinal cord or its nerve roots. The growth may be benign or malignant--but a non-malignant tumor may be as disabling as a malignant tumor unless treated appropriately.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Spinal cord; nerves below the level of the spinal-cord tumor.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Progressive weakness, numbness and wasting of muscles whose nerve supply comes from the affected area of the spinal cord.
• Difficult urination or bowel movements; incontinence.
• Chronic back pain.

CAUSES--Tumors originating in the spinal cord (primary tumors) are rare--especially in childhood or old age--and their cause is unknown. A spinal-cord tumor usually results from cancer that has spread from another part of the body, such as: lung; breast; intestinal tract; prostate; kidney; thyroid; or lymphatic system.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Cancer in any of the body parts listed above.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Because spinal-cord tumors frequently result from the spread of cancer, be alert to early symptoms of cancer in other organs.
• Don't smoke.
• Eat a high-fiber diet to reduce the likelihood of intestinal cancer.
• Be alert to enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• For men over 45, request a prostate exam with your annual physical.
• For women, practice breast self-exam (see Breast Self-exam in Appendix).

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of blood and spinal fluid.
• X-rays of the spine, biopsy, MRI or CT scan, radionuclide bone scan and myelogram (See Glossary for all).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis and treatment.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Treatment will depend on the results of all the diagnostic studies and may include surgery to remove tumors and surrounding bone that compress the spinal cord, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Total paralysis caused by a blockage of blood vessels that nourish spinal-cord cells.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--

• The success of treatment depends on the type, size and location of the growth.
• Surgery to remove bone surrounding the cord can relieve pressure on spinal nerves and nerve pathways. This operation generally relieves pain and other symptoms immediately, but may impair motor functions. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may restore lost function.
• If the tumor originated on the exterior of the spinal cord and has not spread, surgery restores a normal life expectancy.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers.
• Cortisone drugs to decrease swelling around the tumor and reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
• Anticancer drugs, if the tumor is malignant.

ACTIVITY--Activity levels will depend on your physical status. Be as active as your energy and mobility permit.

DIET--Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not be necessary unless you show evidence of deficiency or cannot eat normally.

Call Your Doctor If

You have any symptoms of a spinal-cord tumor.