What are Spinal Cord Tumors?
Spinal tumors, also called neoplasms, are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the spinal column. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumors that originate in the spine are called primary tumors. Whether cancerous or non-cancerous, tumors in the spine can cause serious health problems as they grow and place pressure on the spinal cord. Immediate treatment is usually required. Symptoms of Spinal Cord Tumors Symptoms of spinal tumors generally develop slowly and worsen over time. The main symptom is chronic back pain. Other symptoms may include one or more of the following: Sciatica Numbness, weakness Partial paralysis Spinal deformity Difficulty with bladder control Fever While some of these symptoms may be difficult to recognize in very young children and infants, regular checkups with a pediatrician can help detect many potential health problems, including tumors. Diagnostic Tests The first step in diagnosing a spinal cord tumor includes a discussion of the
