Spine Tumors

Most spine tumors develop when cancer elsewhere in the body spreads to the spine, but children and adults over 65 are at risk of a growth originating in the spine. Neurology specialists Amanda Carpenter, MD, and Duncan Carpenter, MD, at North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating spine tumors. Schedule an appointment at the first sign of symptoms by calling the Ridgewood, New Jersey, office or booking online.

What are spine tumors?

Spine tumors are abnormal growths in or around the spinal cord or vertebrae. Each tumor has different characteristics; they may: 

• Be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant)
• Grow slowly or rapidly
• Originate in the spine or begin as a malignant tumor in the body that spreads to the spine

Metastatic cancer from the lungs, breast, and prostate is the most common cause of spine tumors.

What type of spine tumor might develop?

These are the three primary locations for spine tumors, along with a few examples of the possible tumors that may grow in each area:

Extradural

Extradural tumors are outside the membrane surrounding the spinal cord (meninges). About 55% of tumors appear in this location.

They’re often caused by metastatic cancer or schwannomas, which originate in the nerve roots located outside the spinal cord. Schwannomas are usually benign but, in a small number of cases, may turn cancerous.

Intradural-extramedullary

These tumors are inside the meninges but outside the spinal cord. They account for about 40% of spinal tumors. The most common types are: 

• Meningiomas (in the middle layer of the meninges; usually benign)
• Neurofibromas (in tissues surrounding nerve roots; typically benign)

Intramedullary

Intramedullary tumors, which account for 5% of tumors, grow inside the spinal cord and are usually benign. The two most common are:

• Astrocytomas (grow in cells that support the nerves; may be benign or malignant)
• Ependymomas (arise from cells that produce cerebrospinal fluid; usually slow-growing and benign)

Astrocytomas are more common in children, while adults are more likely to develop ependymomas. 

What symptoms do spine tumors cause?

Whether benign or malignant, a spine tumor may cause:

• Back or neck pain
• Pain and tingling that goes down your arms or legs
• Loss of sensation in your arms or legs
• Progressive muscle weakness in your arms or legs
• Difficulty walking, resulting in falls
• Diminished sensitivity to heat and cold

Spinal deformities like scoliosis may develop if the tumor gets too large. 

How are spine tumors treated?

 North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates recommends a treatment based on whether the tumor is benign or malignant, its location, and aggressiveness (how fast it’s growing). If they can remove the tumor while preserving the spine, they may recommend surgery. 

You may be a good candidate for Gamma Knife (precision radiosurgery). You could also need radiation therapy or chemotherapy before, after, or instead of surgery.

Call North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates today to learn more about spine tumors and your treatment options. You can also book online.