Spinal Cord Tumour

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Doctors

How Are Spinal Cord Tumours Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis by a qualified specialist is crucial for determining the best treatment for spinal cord tumours. Healthcare professionals use a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies to confirm the presence and type of spinal cord tumour.

Physical and Neurological Exam

A neurologist or spinal specialist will begin with a physical examination, including checks for back tenderness or abnormalities.

A neurological exam is also conducted to assess:

Balance and Coordination
Muscle Strength
Reflexes
Sensation in Different Body Parts

This helps determine how the tumour may be affecting the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is the most reliable imaging technique for detecting spinal cord tumours due to its high-resolution detail of soft tissues.

How it works: MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
Contrast dye: A dye may be injected into a vein to enhance image clarity and highlight abnormalities.
Purpose: Helps pinpoint the tumour’s location, size, and impact on nearby structures.
Why it’s preferred: Non-invasive and highly effective for detecting spinal cord tumours.

At Subang Jaya Medical Centre, advanced MRI technology is available to ensure accurate and detailed imaging for spinal cord tumour diagnosis.

Spinal Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan can complement an MRI, providing additional details about spinal cord tumours when necessary.

How it works: Uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the spine, offering a detailed view of the spinal cord and surrounding structures.
Contrast dye: May be injected to make the images clearer.
When it’s used: Typically recommended when MRI is not an option or to gather more information.
Purpose: Helps understand the tumour’s size, location, and effect on surrounding tissues.

Biopsy for Spinal Cord Tumours

A biopsy is essential for determining whether the tumour is benign or malignant (cancerous), and guiding the treatment plan.

Needle biopsy: A fine needle is inserted through the skin to collect a tissue sample.
Surgical biopsy: Performed during surgery for direct testing.
Purpose: Identifies tumour type and helps decide between surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Tumours

Treatment for spinal cord tumours depends on the tumour’s type, location, and size. The main treatment options are:

Surgery for Spinal Cord Tumours

Surgery is often the first step for spinal cord tumours. The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving healthy tissue.

Microsurgical tools and an operative microscope with high magnification
Nerve monitoring is used during surgery to increase safety.
Ultrasonic aspirators break up tumours for easier removal in some cases.

At SJMC, experienced neurosurgeons use advanced surgical techniques to maximise tumour removal while minimising risks to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams like X-rays or protons to target and destroy tumour cells.

Often used after surgery to eliminate remaining tumour cells.
Proton beam therapy can offer a more precise form of radiation, sparing healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to kill fast-growing cancer cells in spinal cord tumours, especially for malignant or aggressive tumours.

It is delivered either by injection into blood vessels or can be taken by mouth.
Most chemotherapy treatment can be given as an outpatient.

Monitoring for Small Tumours

For small, slow-growing tumours that do not cause symptoms, active monitoring may be recommended.

Regular MRI scans track the tumour’s growth.
Treatment is started if the tumour is getting bigger or causes symptoms.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

While alternative therapies cannot cure spinal cord tumours, they can help manage symptoms such as pain and stress:

Acupuncture
Massage Therapy
Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
Guided Imagery
Spiritual Practices

Always consult your healthcare team before starting any complementary treatments to ensure they do not interfere with your primary treatment plan.

Coping with a Spinal Cord Tumour Diagnosis

A diagnosis of spinal cord tumour can be overwhelming, and managing the emotional and physical challenges can make a significant difference.

Educate Yourself

Learn about the condition, ask questions, and bring someone to your appointments for support.

Seek Support

Join support groups or speak to a counsellor to share your feelings and gain insights from others who have faced similar challenges.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Engage in light physical activity outdoors as recommended by your doctor.
Practice stress-reducing activities such as journaling or listening to music.

Preparing for Your Appointment

If you suspect a spinal cord tumour, you may be referred to specialists such as:

Neurologists (for nerve and brain conditions)
Neurosurgeons (for brain and spinal cord surgeries)
Spinal surgeons (for spine-related surgeries)
Oncologists (for cancer treatments)

What to Bring to Your Appointment

A list of symptoms and how long you’ve experienced them.
Details of your medical history and current medications.
Information about any family history of spinal or brain tumours.
Questions you’d like to ask your healthcare professional.

Questions to Ask Your Specialist

What type of spinal cord tumour do I have?
What are my treatment options?
What are the risks and benefits of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy?
How will the tumour affect my long-term health?
Should I get a second opinion?

FAQs About Spinal Cord Tumour Diagnosis and Treatment

A biopsy provides a tissue sample that helps doctors identify the tumour type, either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and guides the treatment plan, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Yes, some tumours can be managed with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or active monitoring, especially if they are small, slow-growing, and not causing symptoms.

Surgery carries risks such as nerve damage, changes in sensation, or loss of function. However, advanced techniques like nerve monitoring and high-powered microscopes help minimise these risks. Even tumours located inside the spinal cord can now be removed safely.

Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to eliminate remaining tumour cells or for tumours that cannot be surgically removed. Highly-focused radiation is used for maximal efficacy while preserving the surrounding normal spinal cord tissue.

The treatment plan depends on the tumour’s type, size, location, growth rate, and impact on the spinal cord, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. When spinal cord function is deteriorating, earlier surgery often leads to better outcomes.

Some treatments, like surgery or radiation, may cause long-term side effects such as changes in sensation or mobility. Your healthcare team will discuss potential risks and recovery expectations.

Yes, some tumours, especially cancerous ones, may recur after treatment. Regular follow-up imaging and monitoring are essential to detect and manage any recurrence early.

In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be used, depending on the tumour’s location and size. These approaches aim to reduce recovery time and minimise risks.

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