5 Symptoms of Spinal Cancer

5 Signs That May Indicate Spinal Cancer

Some forms of cancer are fairly easy to detect and highly treatable in the early stages. However, early diagnosis and treatment aren’t always possible with spinal cancer. Part of the reason for this is because cancer originating in the spine itself is rare. Usually, cancer makes its way to the spine after developing elsewhere. Also, symptoms like the ones described below may develop quickly or progressively worsen over time, so it's important to have a good idea of what to look out for to increase your odds of getting treatment early, when the odds of successful results are much higher.

1. Pain in or Around the Spine

One of the most common symptoms associated with spinal cancer is pain in or around the spine. The tumor itself may press on the spinal cord, or nearby nerve roots could be affected. Because back pain has many potential causes, such as herniated discs or slipped vertebrae, many people don't automatically associate spinal pain with cancer, which is another reason treatment is often delayed until later stages.

2. Numbness/Tingling Sensations

If a tumor presses on certain areas within the spine, it may primarily irritate nerves but not the spinal cord. If this happens, numbness and tingling sensations may extend along the pathway of the nerve, and these symptoms may extend to arms, legs, or other extremities.

3. General Weakness

As cancer advances and affects more tissues within and around the spine, it may weaken spinal structures. This general weakness sometimes makes it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. If spinal cancer spreads to certain spine-supporting structures and muscle groups, you might experience:

• Increased fatigue 
• Difficulty with daily movements 
• Limited range of motion 
• Instability when walking/standing 
• Partial paralysis 
• General loss of sensation 

4. Issues with Urination

When a spinal tumor develops in the lower spine, it may compress nerves that transmit signals to and from the bladder. If this happens, you may have issues with urination, such as bladder leakage. It's also possible for bowel movements and habits to be affected.

5. Unexplained Spinal Deformities

Some tumors in the spine can become large or obstructive enough to cause the spinal cord itself to shift out of alignment and become deformed. The resulting spinal instability may lead to abnormalities such as hunchback (kyphosis). If you have an existing spinal deformity such as spinal stenosis or scoliosis, a tumor may make your symptoms more disruptive than they were before the tumor developed.

Treatment of spinal cancer depends on factors such as where the tumor is located, its size, how fast it's growing, and how it has affected nearby structures within or around the spine. Some patients benefit from a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while others see better results from targeted therapy, interventional radiology, or surgical removal of the tumor, which may also involve fusion surgery if removing the tumor destabilizes the spine. Increase your odds of early spinal cancer detection by seeing a Los Angeles spine surgeon if you experience any unusual spine-related pain that's not going away.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or any other spine-related issues, reach out to the spinal health pioneers at The Spine Institute. Our physicians are industry-leading experts who employ the most innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology to support every aspect of spine health. To schedule an appointment, call one of our helpful representatives today at 310-828-7757.