Spinal cord tumors originate within the spinal cord or in the lining (dura) of it enclosed in the bony structure of the vertebral column. The purpose of the spinal cord is to conduct sensory and motor sensations from the brain to the body and vice versa. Hence, any impairment in the spinal cord directly affects the sensations all over the body.
Any abnormal growth in the spinal cord compresses the nerve fiber band in the areas of its pathway i.e. cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral will result in damage. This damage depends on the location and size of the tumor. The tumor’s location determines which part of the body is most likely to be affected. While its size may indicate the extent of the damage and the level of the injury. Any kind of abnormal growth may lead to pain and discomfort.
Spinal cord tumors can result in various levels of impairment including mild to severe damage. The impairments may include pain, numbness, discomfort, and neurological disorders and may even lead to paralysis. The overall understanding of the symptoms and the level of injury depends on the time of diagnosis (the early the diagnosis the better the prognosis), the level of injury, and the nature of cancer. It also depends on whether the compression of the spinal cord is present or not, if present then what is the extent. It is also dependent on the age and overall health of the patient and whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Even if the tumor is treated, the healing depends on the patient’s health and wellness. The surgical treatment also has some side effects such as infection at the site of surgery, systematic disorders, and infections. There may also be chances of deep vein thrombosis.