Spinal Cord Gliomas

What is a spinal cord glioma?

Glial cells are a type of cell that is found within the nervous system that does not conduct neural impulses. These cells act as a support system for the neurons within the brain and spinal cord. A spinal cord glioma is a tumor that develops from these glial cells in the spinal cord. Spinal gliomas have a higher likelihood of becoming malignant (cancerous) than other types of spinal tumors, but not all spinal gliomas become cancerous. Some forms of spinal cord gliomas grow faster than others, depending on the type of glial cells affected. 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 glioma.

What causes a spinal cord glioma?

The exact cause of a spinal cord glioma is unknown, but several theories exist. Genetics is thought to play a part in the development of spinal gliomas. Patients that have family members who have developed spinal cord gliomas have a higher risk of having this type of tumor. Exposure to radiation, inherited mutations in a patient’s glial cells, or exposure to cancer-causing chemicals may also increase the likelihood a patient may be diagnosed with a spinal cord glioma.

What are the symptoms of spinal cord glioma?

The symptoms of a spinal cord glioma may vary based on the location of the tumor and its size. Patients with small spinal gliomas may not experience symptoms. In general, the symptoms patients often experience as a result of a spinal glioma includes:

• Nausea and or Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Difficulty with walking, balance, or coordination
• Weakness or numbness in the extremities

How are spinal cord gliomas diagnosed?

Dr. Pennicooke will first review a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and concerns. He will also perform a physical examination that evaluates a patient’s reflexes, balance, coordination, and strength. He will also order diagnostic imaging such as an MRI scan or CT scan. These will allow Dr. Pennicooke to visualize the spinal cord glioma to determine its location and size. Patients may also have a biopsy of the tumor taken. This procedure removes a sample of cells from the tumor to be tested and evaluated in a laboratory setting. This can give Dr. Pennicooke more information regarding the specific type of spinal glioma a patient has developed.

What is the treatment for spinal cord glioma?

Non-surgical treatment

• Radiation and Chemotherapy: Sometimes, spinal gliomas are located in places along the spine that are difficult or dangerous to access surgically. Also, sometimes tumors cannot be removed entirely or safely, and thus pieces remain after surgical resection. In either of these cases, radiation and chemotherapy may be beneficial treatment options.
• Observation: Some forms of spinal cord gliomas may be small, slow growing, and do not cause any symptoms. In these situations, surgery may be unnecessary, and Dr. Pennicooke may recommend that the patient have diagnostic imaging tests performed over many years to “watch” the tumor to ensure it does not grow or spread.

Surgical treatment:

• Depending on the location and size of the tumor, Dr. Pennicooke may elect to use various surgical techniques to partially resect the spinal glioma. He may use small specialized surgical micro-techniques to remove the part of the tumor that can be safely removed. Pennicooke will carefully evaluate each patient’s spinal glioma and work to create an individualized surgical treatment plan.