01 — What it is
Most tumors found in the spine are metastases from a cancer elsewhere. They can cause pain that is present at rest and at night, weaken bone to the point of fracture, and compress the spinal cord. Treatment is coordinated between oncology, radiation oncology and surgery.
02 — Symptoms
- Pain at night and at rest, unrelated to activity
- Pain that is progressive rather than episodic
- Weakness, numbness, or bowel and bladder change
- Unexplained weight loss, or a known cancer history
03 — Causes
- Metastasis from breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid cancer
- Multiple myeloma and lymphoma
- Primary bone tumors of the spine
04 — How it is diagnosed
MRI with contrast, CT for bone quality and fracture risk, and staging imaging. Biopsy is planned so that the tract can be addressed at any later definitive surgery. Scoring systems are used to assess mechanical instability and the degree of cord compression.
05 — Treatment approach
Surgery is often directed at decompressing the spinal cord and stabilizing the segment so that oncologic treatment can proceed. In selected primary tumors, more extensive resection may be appropriate. The plan is made in a multidisciplinary setting.
General information only. Your own diagnosis and plan depend on your examination and imaging. Nothing here replaces a consultation.
