25. Signs of tumors in the spine and spinal space Flashcards
Most common types of tumors in spine and spinal space
- Metastatic tumors
- Meningioma
- Schwannoma
- Ependyoma
Most common location of tumors in spine and spinal space
Extradural (55%)
Intradural (40%)
Intramedullary (5%)
Most important symptoms of tumors in spine and spinal space
Back pain
Extradural tumors (spine, spinal space)
- Due to vertebral metastasis
- Mostly in thoracic region
- Come from lung, breast, prostate
Clinical
- Pain which can radiate
- Signs of spinal cord compression
- Paraparesis
- Neurological signs
Diagnosis of extradural tumors (spine, spinal space)
- MRI
- X-ray
- CT
- Bone scan
Treatment of extradural tumors (spine, spinal space)
Surgical intervention
- stabilize spine, decompression, improve QOL
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Vertebroplasty
Intradural tumors location and types
Located in lateral or posterior surface of the SC
- Schwannomas
- Meningiomas
- Ependyomas
Symptoms of intradural tumors
Chronic radicular pain or local pain for months. Then signs of nerve root or SC dysfunction
Treatment of intradural tumors
Surgical, radiotherapy
Intramedullary tumors types
- Ependyomas in adults
- Astrocytomas in children
Symptoms of intramedullary tumors
- signs of slowly progressing transverse lesion
- reduced pain and temp. sensation below lesion (interruption of lat. spinothalamic tract)
- lack of radicular pain
- involving ant. horn cells: LMN
- involving corticospinal tract: UMN weakness in muscles below lesion
Signs of spinal cord compression
- Pain and stiffness in the neck or back
- Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks, or down into the legs (sciatica)
- Numbness, cramping, or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs.
- Loss of sensation in the feet.
- Trouble with hand coordination
