The bones in the spine are one of the most common places for cancers to spread.
**Please note, if you have a tumor and have a loss of bowel/bladder function or saddle anesthesia, please go to your local emergency room as this is an emergency (Cauda Equina Syndrome).
Metastatic tumors in the spine can sometimes be the reason a cancer is detected. The pain can be very debilitating. If the tumor is pressing on a nerve(s) it can cause even more dysfunction, pain, problems with walking, bowel/bladder issues, numbness, and weakness.
The most important thing about caring for a spinal tumor is making sure you have a great treatment team. Caring for such tough cases requires a full team approach, with excellent communication between oncologists, radiation therapists, and surgeons.
Diagnosis
The success of treatment options depend on an accurate diagnosis, using a combination of but not limited to: physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, MRI, diagnostic injections, and EMG investigation.
Treatment
Treatments options include anti-inflammatories, bracing, physical therapy, radiation, surgical cementing to help the bone structure, surgical decompression, or surgical stabilization. All treatment options depend on the location/type of tumor and a custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.