Spinal tumors are the masses that should not normally be present in the spine and surrounding tissues. There are two types of spine tumors;

• benign spinal tumors are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body

• malignant spinal tumors are considered cancer and can spread to distant areas of the body.

Spine tumors spreading to distant parts of the body in children are rare.

 

 

Signs and Complaints in Spinal Tumors

• long lasting lower back / or back pain

• involuntary weight loss

•fever

• numbness in the legs, tingling, loss of sensation

• inability to control bladder and bowels

 

How is the diagnosis made?

• refer to the spinal surgeon if the above-mentioned complaints are present

• first examinations are spinal x-rays and blood tests

• magnetic resonance (MR) and special scintigraphy (positron emission tomography scan - PET) inform about tumor localization and spreading.

• if malignant tumor is suspected in imagings, BIOPSY MUST BE DONE FOR THE type of tumor.

• the biopsy can be performed under local anesthesia without the patient being put to sleep by closed method.

 

What are the treatment options?

• treatment of spine tumors should be performed in centers where cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) can be performed.

• benign tumors are usually followed. However, if the mass is too large, it is possible to consider surgical intervention if it is exerting pressure on the surrounding tissues.

• malignant tumors can be completely removed under appropriate conditions. For tumors that cannot be completely removed or spread, chemotherapy (drug therapy) or radiotherapy (irradiation) may be required before and after surgery.

• after any treatment there is a possibility that the tumor may recur in the same or different place. Therefore, regular follow-up is required.