Cancer of the spinal cord, which is a part of the central nervous system spinal cord cancer The spinal cord is a structure that begins in the brainstem and extends within the spine and contains the nerves that control the body's ability to move and feel.
Spinal Cord Cancer Symptoms
It can vary depending on the tumor's size, location, and the nerve functions it affects. Possible symptoms include:
It can cause pain, particularly in the back and neck. This pain can be constant or worsen over time.
It can compress or damage the nerves it affects, which can cause numbness or weakness in the arms and legs.
If the tumor affects certain areas, it can cause balance problems and difficulty walking.
As a result of affecting the motor nerves, muscle weakness may occur in the arms and legs.
It can affect the nerves that control bladder or bowel function, making it harder to control urine or stool retention.
It can affect sexual functions and cause symptoms such as decreased sexual desire and difficulty reaching orgasm.
It can affect the nerves that transmit sensitivity and sensory information, leading to numbness, tingling, or sensory loss.
In what situations can it happen?
It occurs when normal cells within the spinal cord grow uncontrollably and become cancerous. These cells are normally designed to regulate spinal cord function and protect the nerves, but for various reasons, genetic changes can occur in these cells and they can become cancerous.
Spinal cord cancer, can be divided into two main categories:
Primer: A type of cancer that originates in the spinal cord itself. In this case, the tumor begins in the cells and typically arises from the membranes surrounding the spinal cord (meninges) or supporting tissues.
Mesastatic: It's a secondary cancer that occurs when cancer cells from another body site circulate and spread to that area. Cancer cells originating from another type of cancer (e.g., lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer) can spread to the spinal cord, causing a mesostatic tumor.
Although the exact causes are not known, some of the risk factors for formation are:
- High doses of radiation, especially during childhood, can increase the risk of tumors.
- The risk may increase in people with a family history of tumors.
- The risk of tumors may increase in people with immune system diseases or those taking immunosuppressant medications.
- Smoking may also increase the risk of this tumor among certain types.
What are the treatments?
Treatment may vary depending on the tumor type, size, spread (stage), and the patient's overall health. Treatment is generally multidisciplinary, involving collaboration among oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiotherapists, and other specialists. Spinal cord cancer treatments can include:
Depending on the size, location, and extent of the tumor, surgery may be necessary. Surgery aims to remove the tumor or release the nerves that are compressing it, but in some cases, removing the entire tumor may not be possible.
Radiotherapy is the process of using high-energy rays to kill or control the growth of cancer cells. Regional radiotherapy is used. Radiation can help shrink tumors and reduce symptoms.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Chemotherapy is often considered in metastatic cases or as an adjunct to other treatments.
Steroids can help reduce swelling and inflammation caused by tumors. This can help relieve symptoms caused by tumors.
Pain management, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, psychological support and other supportive treatments may also be used to support spinal cancer treatment.
