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SPINAL METASTATIC TUMORS
Metastatic tumors, also called advanced or stage 4 cancer, arise when cancer cells break away from the original tumor site and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system. These rogue cells can land in distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones, where they establish new growths. Unlike the original tumor, these secondary tumors are still identified by the cancer’s origin. For instance, breast cancer that spreads to the bones is termed metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer. Metastatic cancer is generally incurable, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing the spread, and improving the patient’s quality of life.
3 percent of individuals with progressive curvature may eventually experience severe problems that can include scoliosis and back pain, spinal problems, and nerve compression causing numbness, weakness, and leg pain.
Metastatic Tumors:
Metastatic tumors, also known as secondary tumors, refer to cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can originate from various sites, such as the breast, lung, prostate, or colon, and metastasize to the spine. Unlike the original tumor, these secondary tumors are still identified by the cancer’s origin. For instance, breast cancer that spreads to the spine is termed metastatic breast cancer, not spine cancer.
Causes
Normally, the cause of metastatic tumors in the spine is the spread of cancer through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. These cancer cells then settle and grow in the bones of the spine, causing pain, neurological symptoms, and structural instability.
Symptoms
The symptoms of metastatic tumors in the spine can vary depending on the size and location of the tumors. Symptoms are also the impact of the tumors on surrounding structures. Common symptoms may include persistent back pain that worsens at night or with movement. In addition, neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs, difficulty walking or maintaining balance. In severe cases, symptoms can include loss of bowel or bladder control.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of metastatic tumors in the spine typically involves the medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy. Imaging scans such as X-rays, MRIs , or CTs help doctors visualize the presence, location, and extent of spine. A biopsy can confirm the presence of cancer cells and identify the primary cancer site.
Questions and Answers
What Causes Spinal Metastatic Tumors?
Spinal metastatic tumors occur when cancer cells from primary tumors in other parts of the body spread to the spine. The most common primary cancer sites that metastasize to the spine include the lungs, breasts, prostate, and kidneys. Cancer cells typically spread to the spine through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once they reach the spine, these cells can infiltrate the bone, causing the formation of tumors. Factors that increase the risk of spinal metastasis include the aggressiveness of the primary cancer. Additionally, the presence of multiple metastases in other organs and certain genetic factors increase the spread of cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Metastatic Tumors?
Symptoms of spinal metastatic tumors can vary depending on the location and size of the tumors. Symptoms include persistent back pain that worsens at night or with movement, weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. Also, patients experience difficulty walking or maintaining balance, loss of bowel or bladder control, and tingling or loss of sensation. In some cases, spinal cord compression can lead to more severe symptoms such as paralysis or difficulty breathing.
How Are Spinal Metastatic Tumors Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of spinal metastatic tumors typically involves a combination of imaging tests and biopsy procedures. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT, MRI, or PET scans will visualize the tumors and assess their size. The scans will also identify the location and impact on surrounding structures. A biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample from the tumor. The biopsy can then be examined to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the type of cancer. Additionally, blood tests and other diagnostic procedures will evaluate the extent of metastatic spread and guide treatment decisions.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
Treatment for metastatic tumors in the spine aims to alleviate symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life. Nonsurgical treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and pain management techniques. Chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy are used to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth, while radiation therapy is employed to shrink tumors and relieve pain. Pain management techniques such as medication, nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulation may be used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Surgery
In cases where tumors cause spinal instability or neurological deficits, surgeons will usually recommend surgery to stabilize the spine, decompress nerves, and remove tumor tissue. Surgical treatment for metastatic tumors in the spine may involve procedures such as tumor resection, spinal fusion, or vertebroplasty to restore spinal stability and alleviate symptoms.
The Benefits of Surgical Treatment for Metastatic Tumors in the Spine Include:
- Pain relief: Surgery can help alleviate pain associated with spinal tumors by removing tumor tissue, decompressing nerves, and stabilizing the spine.
- Improved neurological function: Surgical decompression of nerves can help improve neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
- Restoration of spinal stability: Surgical stabilization of the spine can prevent further collapse of vertebral bodies and reduce the risk of fractures or spinal cord compression.
- Enhanced quality of life: By alleviating symptoms and improving function, surgical treatment can significantly enhance patients’ overall quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Recovery
The recovery period after surgical treatment for metastatic tumors in the spine can vary depending on factors such as the extent of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and any complications that may arise. In general, patients can expect to spend several days to weeks in the hospital following surgery for monitoring and rehabilitation. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are crucial components of the recovery process, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function in the spine and surrounding muscles. Most patients can expect to gradually resume normal activities within several weeks to months following surgery, although individual recovery timelines may vary.
Patients with Metastatic Tumors in the Spine Should Consider Choosing The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute for Several Reasons:
- Experienced Spine Surgeons: Led by renowned spine surgeons Doctors Richard A. Hostin, Devish Ramnath, and Ishaq Syed, The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced spine specialists with expertise in treating metastatic tumors and other complex spinal conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute offers comprehensive care for patients with metastatic tumors in the spine, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and ongoing follow-up care.
- Offices in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas
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If you are an adult living with scoliosis or have a child with this condition and need a doctor who specializes in orthopedic surgery,
call the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment today.