What is Spinal Tumours?

Spinal tumours are abnormal growths of cells that form within or around the spinal cord and vertebrae. These growths can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may arise from the spine itself (primary tumours) or metastasize from other areas of the body (secondary tumours). Spinal tumours can be located in different regions of the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions. Spinal tumours, whether benign or malignant, can cause significant issues due to their impact on the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures. As these tumours grow, they can compress nerves, resulting in pain, loss of sensation, or motor weakness. In severe cases, untreated spinal tumours may lead to permanent paralysis or other neurological deficits. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing symptoms and preventing further complications. Spinal tumour treatment often involves a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other advanced therapies, depending on the type and location of the tumour.

What are the major types of Spinal Tumours?

Spinal tumours are classified into several types based on their location in the spine and their origin. The three major types of spinal tumours include:

Explain their types

Intramedullary Tumours

Intramedullary tumours develop within the spinal cord itself, typically from glial cells or other supportive cells of the nervous system. Common intramedullary tumours include astrocytomas and ependymomas. These tumours are often found in the cervical region of the spine and can cause pain, sensory loss, and motor dysfunction. Because of their location inside the spinal cord, surgical removal can be challenging and may require advanced techniques to minimize damage to the spinal cord.

Extramedullary Tumours

Extramedullary tumours occur outside the spinal cord but within the protective lining of the spinal cord, called the dura. These tumours can be either intradural (within the dura but outside the spinal cord) or extradurally (outside the dura and in the bony vertebrae). Common extramedullary tumours include meningiomas, schwannomas, and neurofibromas. These tumours can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, or motor weakness. Surgical removal is often a viable treatment option.

Extradural Tumours

Extradural tumours arise in the vertebrae or bones surrounding the spinal cord. Most extradural tumours are metastatic, meaning they have spread from cancer in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, breasts, or prostate. These tumours often cause severe pain and spinal instability and may require treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or vertebral stabilization techniques to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

What causes Spinal Tumours?

The exact cause of most spinal tumours is not well understood, but certain genetic mutations and inherited conditions may increase the risk of developing spinal tumours. Primary spinal tumours, which originate in the spine or spinal cord, are often associated with genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis or von Hippel-Lindau disease, which lead to tumour growth in the nervous system. Secondary spinal tumours, on the other hand, are caused by cancers that have metastasized from other parts of the body, including the lungs, breasts, kidneys, or prostate. In these cases, cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and establish tumours in the spinal column. Exposure to radiation, certain environmental factors, and immune system suppression can also contribute to the development of spinal tumours.

Spinal Tumours include:

Spinal tumours can include a variety of benign and malignant growths. Some common types of spinal tumours are:

What are the symptoms of a Spinal Tumours?

The symptoms of spinal tumours vary depending on the tumour’s size, location, and type. Common symptoms include:

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing spinal tumours. These include: