6 Spine Tumor Symptoms to Take Seriously

Tumors occurring in the spine are often hard to diagnose since the symptoms they create are typical of many other non-related conditions. Because space in the spine is at a premium, both benign and malignant tumors can cause significant problems. 

Spine specialist Sanjay Khurana, MD, has the background to diagnose and treat a spinal tumor. Since the physiology of the spine is complex and composed of many types of tissue, you want Dr. Khurana’s knowledge and expertise in your corner. 

Given the wide range of tumors to which the spine is vulnerable, there’s an equally broad spectrum of symptoms that can provide clues about the presence of a tumor. Let’s look deeper into the spine and the growths that can affect it, including six spine tumor symptoms that you should take seriously. 

Primary and secondary tumors

Primary tumors that originate in the spine are comparatively rare and usually benign. Secondary or metastatic tumors come from other places in the body and settle in spinal tissue. Secondary tumors of the spine are malignant. 

As many as 70% of cancer patients can develop secondary tumors at some point in the course of their disease. Breast, lung, and prostate cancers are the three most common forms that spread to the spine. 

Where spine tumors form

 Tumors can grow in virtually any tissue in the spine, including: 

• Blood vessels throughout the spine
• Bones of the vertebrae, including the marrow
• Cartilage in spinal joints
• Nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord
• The spinal cord and the membrane layers that surround it
• Spinal discs between vertebrae

Spine tumors also get classed by their location in the spinal cord. Intramedullary tumors grow inside the spinal cord. Intradural tumors form inside the dura membrane, and they may or may not affect the spinal cord. Extradural tumors develop outside the dura membrane. 

Six spine tumors to take seriously

Many symptoms of spinal tumors mimic symptoms of other conditions. In some cases, the tumors themselves may cause a back condition,  particularly spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space through which nerves pass. 

Visit Dr. Khurana if you develop any of these six symptoms that don’t seem to connect to physical events: 

1. Neck or back pain that’s not related to activity and gets worse despite rest
2. Changes in sensory functions, such as sensitivity to temperatures, numbness, or tingling
3. Muscle weakness in the arms when you have neck pain or the legs with lower back pain
4. Changes in coordination or balance
5. Trouble with walking normally, including instability that might lead to falls
6. Changes or loss of bladder or bowel function

Bladder and bowel incontinence is potentially an emergency, so seek immediate medical care and follow up with Dr. Khurana. The same is true for progressive numbness or loss of muscle strength in your arms or legs. 

Contact Dr. Khurana at his Marina Del Rey or Manhattan Beach, California office, by phone or online, to schedule a personal consultation to discuss or investigate the symptoms of spine tumors today.