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Spinal Cord Tumor
Spinal cord tumors may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors include gliomas and some ependymomas, as well as metastatic lesions. Benign lesions include meningiomas, schwannomas, hemangioblastoma, ependymomas, and some gliomas. Spinal cord tumors may be intrinsic - within the spinal cord itself - or extrinsic - outside the spinal cord and compressing it.
Some spinal tumors affect the bony components of the spine and affect the spinal cord by extrinsic compression. Tumors of the bony spine are most frequently metastatic but may be intrinsic (arising within the bone itself).
Symptoms
Common symptoms include weakness, numbness, tingling, difficulty walking, pain, difficulty with bowel or bladder control.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor. Surgery is always required. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be required.
Treatment of bony spine tumors involves the use of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Spinal reconstruction using titanium instrumentation is frequently required.
Photos
Click on a photo for an enlarged image. Pictures will open in a new window.
©2003 Heffez Neurosurgical Associates, S.C.