Question 1

what are the signs of a spinal tumor?

Accepted Answer

Many: Symptoms depend on where in the spinal cord they are located as well as the type of tumor.  They can cause pain, weakness,  numbness, balance problems or difficulty with movement control. Also may present  with loss of bladder control.  Fortunately these tumors are rare.

Question 2

what can be done for a spinal tumor?

Accepted Answer

Multiple options: Depending on size, location, pathology, and symptoms, a variety of options are available - surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, observation or combination. Proton beam therapy is a newer form of radiation treatment utilizing more precise proton energy rays that try to avoid or minimize collateral damage to vital parts like the spinal cord or the normal brain tissue.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of a spinal tumor?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Tumor in the bone can present with just pain.  However if it causes compression of the spinal cord or nerves it can present with paralysis, weakness, altered sensation, bowel/bladder incontinence etc.  So basically depends on location along spinal column and whether or not it causes nerve or cord compression.

Question 4

what can i do to slow the growth of a spinal tumor?

Accepted Answer

Depends on SC tumor.: This depends on the type of cns/spinal cord tumor you/someone might have.  Astrocytomas get surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy while oligodendrogliomas do well with surgery and chemotherapy.  Ependymomas, germinomas, and meningiomas can do very well with surgery alone.  Tumors metastatic to the spinal cord must be detected early or can have grave consequences from compression of the cord.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of a middle back/spinal tumor? is it rare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, quite uncommon: But, what prompts your concerns?  A variety of tumors may present over the thoracic vertebrae, some causing nocturnal pain responsive to aspirin, others compressing the spinal cord, resulting in urinary incontinence, leg weakness and numbness.  Since often insidious, and slowly progressive, if there is high suspicion, would urge MRI study to pin down.

Question 6

what is the risk for spinal tumor in healthy and active 23 year old male ?

Accepted Answer

Rare as Martian....: ....Hen's Teeth!   Spinal cord tumor comprise 0.05% of all primary tumors diagnosed and a good portion of those are benign.  Malignant ones are more scattered than that.

Question 7

i think i have symptoms of a spinal tumor. what tests would i need to take?

Accepted Answer

Possibly MRI: See a doctor for a history and physical and ask if your symptoms merit MRI or other tests. Spinal cord tumors are not common.

Question 8

which is more serious? a spinal tumor or spinal cyst?

Accepted Answer

Difficult to answer,: because it depends on the type of tumor, along with the size/location of the tumor or cyst.

Question 9

what are the risks associated with removing a spinal tumor?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis, etc.: This depends on where the tumor is and how complex it is.  Some, like ependymomas are benign, but can be in the center of the spinal cord, making removal all but impossible.  If the tumor is wrapped around the spinal cord, removal might be possible, but the cord can be damaged, and complications like paralysis can occur.  If a nerve is compressed, pain can occur, or numbness.

Question 10

pain in upper back since 2 years but now it is very severe? could it be due to spinal tumor?

Accepted Answer

Less likely: With the limited information you have given of chronic pain getting more severe over the past two years and nothing else going on in terms of movement or sensory issues I would say the likelihood of a spinal tumor is very very low. It certainly would be beneficial to be seen by a doctor and have at least x-ray studies done to try and figure out the problem.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Spinal tumor signs

A member asked:

What are the signs of a spinal tumor?

A member asked:

What can be done for a spinal tumor?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of a spinal tumor?

A member asked:

What can i do to slow the growth of a spinal tumor?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of a middle back/spinal tumor? is it rare?

A member asked:

What is the risk for spinal tumor in healthy and active 23 year old male ?

A member asked:

I think i have symptoms of a spinal tumor. what tests would i need to take?

A member asked:

Which is more serious? a spinal tumor or spinal cyst?

A member asked:

What are the risks associated with removing a spinal tumor?

A member asked:

Pain in upper back since 2 years but now it is very severe? could it be due to spinal tumor?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?