What Are The Types Of Spinal Cord Tumors?

What are spinal cord tumors?

Spinal tumors are defined as abnormal growth arising from any of the tissues that make up the spine. The spine tumors can be malignant [ cancerous ] or benign [ non-cancerous]. As spine tumors grow, they can put pressure on the spinal cord. 

Where do these tumors form?

Our spine is made up of different tissues that span the entire length of your back, into your neck and pelvis. A tumor can form in almost every issue. The tissues that may develop tumor are:

Bones that form the spinal vertebrae, including your bone marrow

The cartilage that protects the joints in vertebrae

Peripheral nerves

Spinal discs

Spinal cord

Types of spinal tumors

Spinal cord tumors are generally of two types. It includes:

Primary spinal tumors

This tumor originates within the vertebral column by growing within the bones, discs, nerves, or other elements within the spine. Such tumors are usually non-cancerous and occur mostly in younger people. Hemangiomas are the foremost common benign primary spinal tumors.

Secondary spinal tumors

These are the tumors that have spread to the spine from cancer that has started elsewhere within the body. Such tumors are the foremost common type within the spine and are cancerous. they need the potential to spread further as these are fast-growing tumors. Moreover, the cancerous cells from the lungs, breast, and prostate are likely to spread within the spine.

Spinal tumor by location

Spinal cord tumors also can be classified supported by their location inside or outside the spinal code.

Extradural Tumors

A spinal tumor that’s formed outside the medulla spinalis ’s outermost protective layer is understood as an extradural tumor. These tumors usually spread due to cancer that’s located in another part of the body.

Intramedullary tumor

An intramedullary tumor grows inside the medulla spinalis and arises from the cells that provide physical support for the system nervous. These tumors mainly occur within the cervical spine. Various sorts of intramedullary tumors are

Ependymoma: A tumor that grows within the brain or any part of the spine, including the neck, upper and lower back. Firstly, they form in your ependymal cells within the middle of the medulla spinalis. Although they don’t spread to other parts of the body, they will spread to quite one area of your brain or spine.

Astrocytoma: This tumor may be quiet cancer that will occur within the brain or medulla spinalis. It begins in our nerve cells called astrocytes. Moreover, this tumor is more common in men than in women.

Hemangioblastoma: this is often a highly vascular tumor within the brain, spinal cord, and retina. because it enlarges, it causes neurological symptoms like headaches, weaknesses, and other coordination problems.

Intradural-extramedullary tumors

This spine tumor is found inside the skinny covering of the medulla spinalis. These tumors are benign and are slow-growing. Moreover, they will cause symptoms of pain and weakness. Common intradural-extramedullary tumors are:

Meningiomas: These tumors occur within the membrane surrounding the medulla spinalis.

Nerve sheath tumors: Such spine tumors arise from the nerve roots that come off the medulla spinalis. It can happen that these tumors could also be present for several years before causing any neurological symptoms.

Neurofibroma: it’s a nerve tumor that forms soft bumps on or under the skin.

When to ascertain a doctor?

Spinal cord tumors need immediate medical attention. See your doctor if your symptoms are:

• Persistent and progressive
• You or someone in your family have a history of cancer or tumors
• Progressive muscle weakness
• You have other symptoms like back pain, vomiting, or dizziness.

Tests to undertake

If your doctor suspects a spinal cord tumor, these tests can help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the tumor’s location.

• Spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging [ MRI]
• Computerized Tomography [ CT]
• Bone Scan
• Biopsy
• Blood Tests

The treatment for spinal tumors will differ supported tumor type, aggressiveness, and other factors. The treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Full or partial surgical removal of the spine tumor
• Steroids which will help with swelling or back pain

Advanced Brain & Spine Tumor Surgery at Amandeep Group of Hospitals

Thanks to the advances in modern-day surgical techniques, skilled surgeons can now perform minimally invasive neuro spine surgery. We at Amandeep Group of Hospitals successfully introduced this surgery to raised treat patients diagnosed with brain tumors and spine tumors.

Fortunately, with the arrival of Navigation Technology, neurosurgeons can now perform such delicate procedures with ease. This technology guides the neurosurgeon to navigate within the confines of the skull and take the tumor out without involving the opposite nerves within the brain.

Notably, these surgeries require specialized instrumentation and significant surgical expertise. Therefore, our team of best surgeons has always been at the forefront to perform these complex surgeries with full commitment and care.

Amandeep Group Of Hospitals: Top Neuro Surgeon in India

Amandeep Group Of Hospitals is understood to supply the foremost effective treatment to its patients. Our Neurosurgeons have years of experience in handling complex brain and spine-related surgeries.

Contact the best neurosurgeon in India and obtain the best treatment under their expert supervision.