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Tumours can arise directly from the tissues in and around the spinal cord or maybe a tumour that has spread from another site to the spine or spinal cord (metastatic or secondary tumours)
Prognosis of Spinal tumours is solely dependent on the location, size and nature of the tumour, duration of symptoms and amenability to surgical resection.
Yes, they can be removed safely through microsurgical techniques.
- Surgery aims to remove the tumour (completely or as much as possible)
- Stabilise the spine
- Reduce pain
- Correction of congenital deformities of the spine
- Degenerative conditions of the spine
- Injury to the spine and spinal cord
- Improve function and quality of life
Tumour growth may cause local inflammation or stretching of the structures around the vertebrae as a deep ache that tends to be worse at night, even to the point of disrupting sleep.
When cancer spreads to the bones of the spine, it can press on the spinal cord leading to neurological symptoms. This can cause nerve damage that may even lead to paralysis if not treated. As cancer cells damage the bones, it may lead to fracture/ instability of the vertebrae.
Yes. Very often, back pain due to a spinal tumour radiates to other parts of the body, especially when it is impinging on a nerve or nerve root.