Tumors can develop in the spinal cord just like in the brain. The most common are astrocytomas, ependymomas and meningiomas. They are more often low grade than high grade. They also lead to neurological deficits when they invade or compress the spinal cord. MRI imaging is becoming more valuable for accurately evaluating spinal cord tumors.
These tumors are usually slow growing, and the problems they cause develop over months or years. These problems include sensory loss and pain, paralysis, incontinence of the bowel and bladder and impotence in males.
Cancers arising elsewhere can metastasize to the spine or spinal cord and produce pressure symptoms such as pain, weakness or loss of sensation (numbness). Diagnostic methods are similar to those for primary spinal cord tumors.
Standard Treatment Surgery is the preferred method of treatment. Ependymomas can often be completely removed. Radiation is used if there is residual tumor.
Astrocytomas have infiltrating margins and usually cannot be completely removed. They are biopsied or the solid component removed, then they are irradiated. Meningiomas can often be completely removed. If there is residual tumor and it is benign , a series of clinical and radiographic evaluations will be performed. A repeat operation or radiation is used if the tumor grows and causes new problems.
