The spinal cord is surrounded by tough fibrous covering called the dura. The spinal cord and dura are located within a bony canal created by the vertebral column. Tumors can arise in any of these spaces and are grouped according to location.

The three groups of spinal tumors are:

• extradural (outside of the dura)
• intradural-extramedullary (between the spinal cord and the dura),
• intramedullary (within the substance of the spinal cord itself)

The location of the tumor can be identified on imaging studies, such as MRI, of the spinal column.

In general, extradural lesions are the most common representing 60% of all spinal tumors, with the majority originating from the vertebrae. Intradural-extramedullary tumors represent 30% of all spinal tumors.

Intramedullary tumors are uncommon spinal tumors (10% of all spinal tumors), and occur most often in the cervical spinal cord. These are often associated with a dilated fluid cavity called a syrnix. The most common extradural tumors are metastatic – that is, they spread from some primary tumor site (like lung), through the blood stream, to the bones of the spinal column.

The most common intradural-extramedullary tumors are meningiomas and schwannomas. Meningiomas arise from the dura itself and a more common in women. Schwannomas arise from the lining of nerve roots.

The most common intramedullary tumors are:

• Astrocytoma: tumors from the support cells in the spinal cord
• Ependymoma: tumors from the cells that line the central spinal cord
• Hemangioblastoma: vascular tumors within the spinal cord

Symptoms

Patients with spinal tumors typically present with back pain at the level of the lesion. The symptoms can be of long duration because these lesions grow slowly. The pain tends to be worse at night. Patients may develop weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

Diagnosis

A detailed neurological physical examination can localize the level of the spinal cord tumor. Individual muscle groups are tested for strength to determine any signs of weakness. Sensation is tested to evaluate for any signs of numbness. Reflexes are tested at the elbows, hands, knees, and ankles for any abnormalities. The diagnostic test of choice is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) study with and without contrast.

Treatment

Surgery is often performed on spinal tumors and can cure these tumors in many cases. In addition, surgery obtains tissue for diagnosis, relieves pressure on the spinal cord, and stabilizes the spine if necessary. Some spinal tumors require radiation and/or chemotherapy after surgery.

*Disclaimer: The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.