How is a spinal cord tumor diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a spinal tumor begins with the history and physical examination. Patients may present with a past medical history of cancer and new, severe back pain. Your doctor may order imaging studies that include plain x-rays, computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans, and MRIs. Sometimes it is necessary to undergo additional, more specialized testing in order to clearly define a suspected tumor. Positron emission tomography (PET scans) and nuclear medicine bone scans may be ordered by your doctor to aid in the diagnosis. In many cases it is necessary to obtain a tissue specimen of the tumor to determine the exact type. This is most often done by a needle biopsy. The tissue is examined and allows your doctor to determine the exact type of the tumor, which will assist in determining the surgical and non-surgical treatment options. What are the medical/interventional (nonsurgical) treatment options? The nonsurgical options for treating spinal tumors include observation, chemotherap
