What is a spinal tumor?

A spinal tumor is a collection of abnormal cells found in and around the spinal cord. These cells multiply rapidly, creating an abnormal growth, also known as a tumor. Spinal tumors can be found at any point along the spinal cord from the neck to the pelvis. Also, spinal tumors can be found in any type of tissue along the spinal cord, including in the bones of the spinal column, nerve tissue, connective tissue, blood vessels, or other types of tissue along the spine. Dr. Brenton Pennicooke, MD, spinal tumor specialist, treats patients in St. Louis, St. Peters, Creve Coeur and the surrounding cities in St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri, who are experiencing symptoms associated with a spinal tumor.

What causes a spinal tumor?

There are two very general types of spinal tumors: primary and secondary. Primary spinal tumors originate from the cells in and around the spinal cord itself. These types of spinal tumors are thought to be caused by mutations that occur within cells that cause them to divide rapidly. Genetics or exposure to certain types of chemicals is also thought to play a role; however, the main cause of spinal tumors is unknown at this time. The second type of spinal tumors: secondary tumors, are caused when cancer from a different part of the body spreads to the spine.

What are the different types of spinal tumors?

Dr. Pennicooke treats a wide array of spinal abnormalities, including spinal tumors. The most common spinal tumors he treats are:

What are the symptoms of a spinal tumor?

The symptoms of a spinal tumor vary greatly based on several factors, including the type, size, location, and involved tissue. Some common symptoms of spinal tumors in general include:

  • Pain: general back pain, or pain around the tumor itself
  • Difficulty walking
  • Decreased hot and cold sensitivity
  • Loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs
  • Muscle weakness

How are spinal tumors diagnosed?

If a spinal tumor is suspected, Dr. Pennicooke will first review a detailed medical history with the patient, including a review of their symptoms. He will also order further diagnostic imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to allow him to take a closer look at the patient’s spine and surrounding tissues. Additionally, Dr. Pennicooke may perform a tissue biopsy. This is a procedure where a small amount of tumor cells are collected so that they can be tested. Biopsies are often used to determine the specific type of tumor to allow Dr. Pennicooke to make a diagnosis.

Are all spinal tumors cancerous?

No, not all spinal tumors are cancerous. Primary spinal tumors that originate in the spine itself can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It is more common for a primary spinal tumor to be benign than malignant. Secondary spinal tumors are cancerous because they originate from a tumor located elsewhere in the body. Although not all spinal tumors are cancerous, it is still important to have any spinal tumor evaluated by a trained medical professional, such as Dr. Pennicooke.

What is the treatment for a spinal tumor?

Non-surgical treatment:

  • Careful observation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation

Surgical treatment:

  • Surgery to remove the tumor. This treatment is typically reserved for types of tumors that can be removed without causing significant harm to the patient.

Spinal Tumor Specialist

Abnormal cells found in and around the spinal cord that multiply rapidly and create an abnormal growth, are called spinal tumors. These tumors can occur anywhere along the spine and in any of the spinal tissue. Many spinal tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and are not a cause for concern. However, spinal tumors that are causing symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness in the limbs should be evaluated by a specialist. Spinal tumor specialist, Doctor Brenton Pennicooke,  provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in St. Louis, St. Peters, Creve Coeur and the surrounding cities in St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri, who are having unpleasant symptoms associated with a spinal tumor. Contact Dr. Pennicooke’s team today!