What is a Metastatic Spine Tumor?
A metastatic spine tumor occurs when cancerous tumors from one area of the body spread to the spine. These tumors can affect any area of the spine and spinal cord, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord roots, blood vessels, supporting cells, and other structures in this region of the body. These are a type of secondary spinal tumors that occur from cells that have traveled through the bloodstream or immune system. 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 metastatic spine tumor.
What causes a metastatic spine tumor?
Metastatic spine tumors are caused when cancerous tumor cells in other areas of the body spread to the spinal region. Cancers that may spread to the spine include, but are not limited to, lung, prostate, thyroid, breast, kidney, and skin cancers.
What are the symptoms of metastatic spine tumors?
The symptoms caused by metastatic spine tumors are caused by the tumor putting pressure on the spinal cord. Therefore, the symptoms will vary based on the structures the tumor affects, as well as the location and size of the metastatic spine tumor. These symptoms may include:
- Changes or difficulty with balance, walking, and coordination
- Head, neck, or back pain, often that increases during the nighttime
- Weakness, numbness, or a “pins and needles” like feeling in the arms and or legs
- Decreased ability to feel sensations such as hot and cold in the hands and feet
- Difficulty controlling bowel and bladder functions
How are metastatic spine tumors diagnosed?
Metastatic spine tumors can be diagnosed using a variety of diagnostic tools. Dr. Pennicooke will first review a patient’s medical history and thoroughly investigate their symptoms. He will then order diagnostic images from a CT scan or MRI scan to determine the location and size of the tumor. A bone scan may also be recommended if the tumor is located in the vertebrae. Blood tests may also be performed to test for the presence of certain chemicals that are produced by cancerous tumors and secreted into the bloodstream. Finally, a biopsy may be performed to closely evaluate the cells found within the metastatic spine tumor.
What is the treatment for metastatic spine tumors?
Non-surgical treatment
- Chemotherapy and radiation: This combination of treatments is a nonsurgical treatment option that targets cancerous cells to remove tumors. This treatment is also effective if there are multiple tumors that must be targeted.
- Steroid therapy: may be utilized to help alleviate pain associated with metastatic spine tumors.
Surgical treatment:
- Surgical treatment may be recommended to remove tumors, especially if they are causing significant symptoms in the patient.
- Surgery may be recommended especially if the tumors affect the bones around the spine, to protect the vertebral column and stabilize the spinal cord and accompanying structures.
Metastatic Spine Tumor Specialist
Metastatic spine tumors occur when cancerous tumors spread to the spine from another part of the body. While some metastatic spine tumors can be asymptomatic, some tumors can cause serious problems. Metastatic spine 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 have been diagnosed with metastatic spine tumors. Contact Dr. Pennicooke’s team today!
