INFORMATION ON SPINAL CORD TUMORS

Spinal cord tumor is development of cancer in the spinal cord. Area of development of cancer is between the membranes covering the spinal cord and spinal canal. A tumor is capable of compressing the spinal cord and its nerve roots; therefore, a non-cancerous growth can be painful unless properly treated.

CAUSES OF SPINAL CORD TUMORS

So far the exact causes for the development of spinal cord tumors are not known, but one can say that non-cancerous growths may be.

SYMPTOMS OF SPINAL CORD TUMORS

Various symptoms of spinal cord tumors are:-

1. Back pain.
2. Severe or burning pain in other parts of the body.
3. Numbness or cold.
4. Progressive loss of muscle strength or sensation in the legs.
5. Loss of bladder or bowel control.

DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL CORD TUMORS

Clinically spinal cord tumor can be diagnosed by:-

1. MRI.
2. CT scan.
3. Blood test.
4. X rays of the spine.
5. Biopsy.

TREATMENT OF SPINAL CORD TUMORS

In order to treat spinal cord tumors following are the method used commonly for treatment:-

1. Surgery.
2. Radiation.
3. Chemotherapy.

Doctors also may prescribe steroids in order to reduce the swelling.