About Spinal Cord Tumors

The affect of spinal cord tumors varies greatly among those afflicted with the disease.   The following information is provided to increase your knowledge and understanding.   This is by no means a comprehensive list, but hopefully is a start.

 
Frequency:

•    1.1 cases per 100,000 persons
•     Approx. 15-20% of CNS tumors occur in the spine
•     Intramedullary lesions comprise approx.. 2-4% of all CNS neoplasms, occurring in both the pediatric and adult population
•     The tumors occur anywhere from the cervicomedullary junction to the filum terminale though most frequently found in the thoracic cord.

Symptoms:

•    Symptoms are not specific to spinal cord tumors and may be present in any myelopathic process
•    Because of the slow-growing nature of the tumors, symptoms precede tumor discovery an average of 2 years.
•    Pain often is the earliest symptom, characteristically occurring at night when the patient is supine
•    Pain may be local or radiating
•    Progressive weakness may occur in the arms or legs
•    Patients may have impaired bowel or bladder function
•    Impotence may occur
•    Patients may have poor balance
•    Symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage may be present