A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal growth of cells around the spinal cord usually in the lining of the spinal cord called the dura. The nature of these tumors may be primary or secondary. Primary tumors (benign) are produced within the spinal cord however secondary tumors (malignant) have spread from cancer in any other part of the body. These tumors may or may not be cancerous. It depends upon the type of tumor, its cause, and the patient’s health status.
The best neurosurgeon in India Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti has explained in this article the rate at which these tumors spread. It depends upon their type as primary tumors that are non-cancerous grow slowly and secondary tumors that are cancerous spread rapidly. Secondary tumors are spread from other parts of the body when the cancer cells enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. These systems while exchanging the fluids to the spine or the spinal cord, causes the secondary tumor to occur in the affected site. The damaged lymphatic system also affects the body’s ability to fight infections.
The pain and discomfort caused by metastatic tumors are usually constant and are not relieved by rest and may actually aggravate at night. Some other symptoms may also be seen such as nausea, vomiting, or weight loss. Spinal cord tumors may occur in any area in the spine such as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal regions. It also causes symptoms like numbness, weakness, urinary incontinence, sensory or motor loss, and muscle weakness. It may also cause semi or complete paralysis or even death in severe cases.
These tumors may result in paralysis and may be life-threatening in some cases. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are necessary in order to figure it out in time and cure it completely.