Spinal-Cord Tumor

Spinal-cord tumor = new mass growing within the spinal cord, benign or malignant. It may be primary or secondary; incidence is lower than intracranial tumors; rare in children. Spinal-cord tumor is a major cause of spinal-cord and cauda-equina compression and must be differentiated from degenerative spondylosis. The term is broad, also including tumors arising in the spinal canal and adjacent structures.

Common Symptoms

Spinal/limb deformity; upper-cervical lesion; localizing neurologic signs; weakness; Brown-Sequard syndrome; spinal-cord lesion; segmental dissociative sensory loss; sensory dissociation; fasciculations; percussion tenderness over spinous process

Causes and Pathogenesis

Anatomically the spinal subarachnoid space communicates via spinal nerves with lymphatics of the mediastinum, abdominal and retroperitoneal spaces, so infection may reach the spinal cord via lymphatics, with or without meningitis. Half of patients derive infection from lumbosacral sources and pilonidal sinus, ~50% of reported cases, reaching the cord via arteries or veins. Common secondary sources are pyogenic infections of lung, heart, urogenital system and superficial skin. Abscess may occur at any spinal segment but favors dorsal thoracic cord. Cryptogenic source: Pathology of intramedullary abscess varies with size and duration. Small abscesses are often multiple, visible only microscopically; most are solitary and may involve several segments, occasionally most of the cord. Common in open spinal trauma and lumbar puncture.

Treatment

Surgery, drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Rest, balance work and rest, prevent infection; once the disease occurs, treat promptly. Early detection/diagnosis/treatment is key to prevention.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Surgical Oncology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.