How is spinal cord tumor diagnosed?
A neurologic examination may indicate the location of the tumor. Spastic weakness may be present, with increased muscle tone and abnormal reflexes. Pain and temperature sensation may be lost simultaneously with – or independently of – other sensation losses. There is often localized spine tenderness on examination of the back, which is more pronounced with epidural tumors. Several procedures can help doctors diagnose a spinal cord tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the best procedure for examining all the structures of the spinal cord and spine. When MRI is unavailable, myelography with computed tomography (CT) may be performed instead. X-rays of the spine can show only changes in the bones, and many tumors do not affect the bone when they are in an early stage. A biopsy is usually needed to diagnose the precise type of tumor, especially primary spinal cord tumors. However, a biopsy is not needed for spinal cord tumors that result from metastases if cancer has been d
