Spinal Tumors Treatment in India

Spinal Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that can develop within or around the spinal cord and spinal column. They can be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with primary tumors originating in the spine and metastatic tumors spreading from other parts of the body.

Types of Spinal Tumors :

Primary Tumors :

• Intramedullary Tumors These grow within the spinal cord itself, including types like gliomas and ependymomas.
• Extramedullary Tumors These occur outside the spinal cord but within its protective membranes, such as meningiomas and schwannomas.

Metastatic Tumors: are secondary tumors that result from cancer spreading from other organs, such as lung, breast, or prostate cancers. They are the most common type of spinal tumor, accounting for approximately 97% of cases.

Syptoms of Spinal Tumors :

Symptoms of spinal tumors can vary widely depending on their type, location, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:

• Back Pain - Often chronic or worsening at night, sometimes radiating to other areas.
• Neurological Symptoms - This may include numbness, weakness in limbs, or loss of coordination.
• Bowel/Bladder Dysfunction - Loss of control may occur if the tumor compresses relevant nerves.
• Other Symptoms - Weight loss, fever, and general malaise can also be present.

Treatment Options :

Treatment for spinal tumors depends on various factors including the tumor type, location, and whether it is primary or metastatic.

• Surgery - Aimed at removing the tumor when feasible. For benign tumors, complete resection may lead to a cure; for metastatic tumors, surgery may be palliative.
• Radiation Therapy - Often used in conjunction with surgery or when surgery isn't possible to control tumor growth.
• Chemotherapy - May be employed for malignant tumors that are not amenable to surgical removal.