Spinal Tumours and Metastasis

A spinal tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue found within or around the spinal column and spinal cord. These tumours may arise from structures of the spine itself or may spread to the spine from cancer elsewhere in the body. Early assessment is important to determine the nature of the tumour and to guide appropriate treatment.

Types of Spinal Tumours

Spinal tumours are broadly classified as either primary or secondary.

Primary Spinal Tumours

Primary spinal tumours originate within the tissues of the spine. These tumours may be cancerous or non-cancerous. Primary spinal tumours are relatively rare and, when they do occur, non-cancerous tumours are more common than malignant ones.

Secondary (Metastatic) Spinal Tumours

Secondary spinal tumours occur when cancer spreads to the spine from another part of the body. These tumours are cancerous and are also referred to as metastatic tumours or metastases. More than 90 percent of spinal tumours are metastatic in nature.

Spinal tumours may develop within the vertebrae, within the protective covering of the spinal cord (the dura), or within the spinal cord itself. Tumours within the spinal cord or within the dura are uncommon.

Symptoms of Spinal Tumours

The most common symptom of a spinal tumour is back pain, which is often worse at night or on waking in the morning. It is important to note that most back pain is not caused by tumours, and not all spinal tumours cause symptoms.

Neurological symptoms such as weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms or legs may develop if the tumour compresses nearby nerves or the spinal cord. These symptoms often appear weeks or months after the onset of back pain.

Some patients with metastatic spinal tumours may experience few or no symptoms. Careful documentation of symptoms is important, as this information can assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Metastatic Spinal Tumour Pain

Back pain related to spinal tumours is often described as severe and is typically not relieved by rest or standard pain medication. Several different pain patterns may occur depending on the location and behaviour of the tumour.

Aching Bone Pain

Tumour growth within the spine can trigger local inflammation or stretch surrounding anatomical structures. This type of pain is commonly described as a deep, aching sensation that is worse at night and may wake patients from sleep. Pain may also be more noticeable first thing in the morning and improve slightly with movement.

Nerve-Related Pain

Pain that shoots down an arm or leg may occur when a tumour compresses a nerve. This type of pain, known as radicular pain, follows the course of the affected nerve. Tumours in the lumbar spine may cause pain radiating into the leg, while tumours in the cervical spine may cause pain radiating into the arm. Radicular pain is often described as burning or shooting and may be accompanied by weakness, tingling or numbness.

Pain with Movement or Weight Bearing

If a tumour weakens the vertebral bone, the affected vertebra may fracture. Vertebral fractures can cause sudden onset pain that is often worse with movement or when placing weight through the spine, such as when sitting down or standing up.

Assessment by a Spine Surgeon in Nottingham is essential to accurately diagnose spinal tumours and metastases, assess spinal stability and neurological function, and plan appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment.