Spinal Cord Tumours: Symptoms and Treatment

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What is a spinal cord tumour?

A spinal cord tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue in or around the spinal cord, the thick bundle of nerves that runs from your brain down the inside of your spine. These nerves carry signals between your brain and body, playing a crucial role in your nervous system. The spinal cord is safeguarded within a tunnel formed by your spinal bones (vertebrae). Spine tumours in this area can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can affect the function of the spinal cord, leading to a variety of symptoms.

What are the types of spinal cord tumours?

● Primary Spinal Cord Tumours

Primary spinal tumours are tumours that originate in the spinal cord or its nerve fibres. Though relatively rare, most are benign. Primary spinal tumours can develop in the cells within the spinal cord or the sheath surrounding nerve fibres. As they grow, they may compress or expand the spinal cord and nerve roots, potentially obstructing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and leading to the formation of a fluid-filled cavity known as a syrinx.

Primary spinal cord tumours include gliomas, ependymomas and hemangioblastomas, which originate from the cells of the spinal cord. If the tumour arises from the membrane of the spinal cord, it is classified as a meningioma. Tumours that develop from the nerve sheath or nerve fibres are typically either neurofibromas or schwannomas.

● Secondary Spinal Cord Tumours

These tumours do not originate in the spinal cord but rather result from abnormal connections between an artery and a vein within the venous sinus wall, the tough covering over the brain or spinal cord. These secondary tumours are typically metastatic, spreading to the spinal cord from other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of a spinal cord tumour?

The presentation of the spinal cord tumours can vary widely. Some are asymptomatic when the tumour is too small, but as they grow, they often begin to present symptoms. When the tumour grows large enough and leads to spinal cord compression or nerve roots compression, the patient may develop neurological deficits, such as:

Electric shock-like sensations in the extremities
Progressive weakness of upper and lower limbs
Neck or back pain, (especially along the spine, which is typically worse at night, progressive, and unrelated to physical activity. This is the most common symptom of spinal cord tumours.
Decreased sensation, numbness or tingling in the body or limbs
Muscle weakness, which can lead to paralysis without prompt treatment
Erectile dysfunction
Difficulty controlling urination
Loss of bowel control
Difficulty walking
Scoliosis, kyphosis and other deformities if the tumour grows large enough to affect the alignment of the spine

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience symptoms of a spinal cord tumour, visit a doctor promptly. If tumours are found to be causing spinal cord compression, they need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage. Don’t delay in seeking medical attention from a neurology specialist in Singapore if you notice any concerning signs.

How are spinal cord tumours caused?

The development of spinal cord tumours is unclear, but researchers suggest that defective genes, either inherited or developed over time, play a role. Exposure to certain chemicals, viruses, and autoimmune disorders could also cause spinal cord tumours.

What can I expect during my first consultation?

Your doctor will conduct a complete medical history and perform general physical exams, neurological assessments, and tests in order to diagnose spinal tumours.

How are spinal cord tumours diagnosed?

● MRI Spine

A powerful magnetic field and radio waves are used to allow viewing of the tumour’s structure, exact location and size in relation to the spinal cord. It is a mandatory investigation conducted for diagnosis of spinal cord tumours.

● CT Spine

A CT scan is used to better visualise the vertebrae (bones of the spine) and other spinal structures and tissues to provide more information related to damage of the spine, and is also required for stabilisation of the spine after tumour removal.

● Myelogram

In a CT myelogram, contrast dye is injected into the spinal column before a CT scan is taken for clearer viewing of the spinal cord, subarachnoid space, and other nearby structures. This test is useful for patients who are unable to undergo an MRI scan.

● EOS Scan

Full-body 3D images of the spine are created with the patient in a natural, standing position. An EOS scan emits much less radiation compared to CT scans and x-rays.

● DEXA Scan

Low dose x-rays are used to measure bone density. If a spinal cord tumour is suspected to affect the strength of bones, a DEXA scan might be recommended.

● Bone Scan

A bone scan detects areas of increased activity in the bone from a spinal cord tumour. A radioactive tracing material is injected intravenously and the patient is scanned to reflect changes in the bone.

● Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan produces images of organs and tissues and can measure vital functions, damaged organs and detect cancerous tumour cells to help gauge cancer spread.

How are spinal cord tumours treated?

Spinal cord tumour after removal

Tubular retractor used in spinal cord tumour operation

Surgery is often the treatment of choice for tumours that can be removed with an acceptable risk of spinal cord or nerve injury. Through the minimally invasive (keyhole) approach, small incisions are made and guiding instruments and microscopic video cameras are utilised to access tumours deep inside the body.

To minimise trauma during surgery, a tubular retractor is commonly used to progressively dilate the soft tissues, instead of cutting directly through the muscles and for minimal bone exposure. An MIS approach can shorten your hospital stay, reduce post-operative pain and unnecessary instrumentation in the spine.

Summary

Spinal cord tumours could be primary tumours, where the abnormal tissue is often non-cancerous, or secondary tumours, which are cancerous. A spinal cord tumour can result in spinal cord compression, causing neurological deficits and pain. Early surgical intervention is typically recommended to preserve function and prevent irreversible damage. If you suspect you have a spinal cord tumour or are experiencing symptoms of a tumour on the spine, don’t hesitate to seek expert care. Contact the Advanced Brain and Spine Surgical Centre for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalised treatment plan to address your needs and safeguard your health.

Dr Sein Lwin is an experienced Senior Consultant Neuro & Spine Surgeon and the Neurosurgical Director at the Advanced Brain and Spine Surgical Centre.

He is highly experienced in spine surgery and in minimally invasive approaches for spinal cord tumours and degenerative spine surgery. His specialised interests lie in endoscopic endonasal and open skull base surgery, pituitary tumours, vascular surgery, cranial nerve disorders and peripheral nerve conditions.

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