Tumors affecting the spine can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), primary (originating in the spine), or metastatic (developing elsewhere and spreading to the spine). Classed by the section of the spine in which they occur, they may be either the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine.
Four other types of spine tumors are identified by their area within spinal anatomy. It’s those that we look at today. When you’re facing surgery for a spine tumor, consult with Sanjay Khurana, MD, in Marina Del Rey and Manhattan Beach, California. Dr. Khurana and his team specialize in spine tumors. They’re your partners through the diagnosis and treatment.
Since the spine is such a complex structure performing a wide range of duties, the location of a tumor in or around the spine proves to be a helpful way to classify tumors.
The dura is the outermost layer of protective tissue that surrounds the spinal cord. Tumors affecting this area usually aren’t cancerous, though they comprise about 40% of all spinal tumors. Meningiomas are the most common intradural tumor, and though they’re usually benign, they can be difficult to remove and prone to recurrence.
Common forms of intradural tumors include:
Tumors that form within spinal cord tissue are intramedullary tumors. The most common forms found in this area are astrocytomas and ependymomas. The thoracic region typically sees astrocytomas, while ependymomas usually appear in the lower spine.
The forms of tumors found in intramedullary tumors include:
Tumors outside the spine’s dura tissue tend to be benign, but this is the most common location for spinal tumors to form. Lesions may develop due to metastatic cancer from another site. They may involve bone tissue of vertebrae.
The most frequent extradural tumors are:
Also located outside the dura in the bones of the spine, epidural tumors tend to compress the spinal cord and nerve root tissue as they grow. This growth limits the room through which these tissues can pass, a condition known as spinal stenosis. Bony spinal tissue is a common spot for metastatic cancers to take hold, affecting up to 10% of cancer patients.
Using a combination of symptom review and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Khurana determines the location, size, and form of the tumor affecting you. Treatment depends on these factors and could include surgery and oncological referral for radiation and chemotherapy should these be required. You can book a consultation with us by phone or online today to determine the next steps for your tumor. Our team is standing by.
