Spinal Tumors

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the spine.
These tumors can develop in the bones of the spine (vertebrae), the spinal cord, or the nerve roots.

While some spinal tumors are benign (non-cancerous), others are malignant (cancerous) and may spread from other parts of the body (metastatic tumors).
Even benign tumors can cause significant problems if they compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, neurological symptoms, or loss of function.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent damage and to address underlying disease.

The exact cause of spinal tumors isn’t always known, but certain factors increase risk:

• Metastatic spread: Many spinal tumors originate from cancers elsewhere in the body, such as breast, lung, prostate, or kidney cancer.
   
• Primary spinal tumors: Tumors that begin in the spine itself, such as meningiomas, schwannomas, or chordomas.
   
• Genetic factors: Conditions like neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome can increase risk.
   
• Weakened immune system: May allow abnormal cell growth.
   
• Previous cancer treatments: Radiation therapy can occasionally lead to tumor development years later.
   
  • Chronic wear-and-tear combined with age-related bone thinning increases fracture risk.
     

Spinal tumors may grow slowly and silently at first, with symptoms becoming more noticeable as they press on nerves or the spinal cord.

• Persistent back pain that doesn’t improve with rest or worsens at night.
   
• Localized tenderness over the affected area of the spine.
   
• Radiating nerve pain:
   
  • Cervical spine: pain travels to the shoulders, arms, or hands.
     
  • Lumbar spine: pain radiates to the hips, buttocks, legs, or feet.
     
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or torso.
   
• Weakness or loss of coordination, making it difficult to walk or use the arms and hands.
   
• Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases — medical emergency.
   
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue, especially in malignant tumors.
   

Important: Sudden worsening of neurological symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Because spinal tumors can mimic other spine conditions, a thorough evaluation is critical for accurate diagnosis.

• Medical history and symptom review: including past cancer diagnoses and timeline of symptoms.
   
• Physical and neurological exam: checking reflexes, strength, sensation, and coordination.
   
• Imaging studies:
   
  • MRI: best for visualizing spinal cord involvement and soft tissue structures.
     
  • CT scans: detailed view of bone involvement or fracture risk.
     
  • X-rays: initial look at spinal alignment and bone structure.
     
• Biopsy: may be necessary to confirm tumor type and guide treatment planning.
   
• Lab tests: bloodwork to detect markers of systemic disease or cancer spread typically in conjunction with a multi-specialty care team.
   

Treatment depends on tumor type, whether it is benign or malignant, and the severity of symptoms.
Dr. Fried works closely with a multidisciplinary team — including oncologists and radiologists — to create a personalized care plan.