What is spinal tumour?
A tumour is referred to an abnormal growth of large number of cells in a specific or surrounding area. When this cell mass is spread across your spine and the spinal column, it is referred to as spinal tumour.
The spine is the long arc on your back that helps you walk, stand, sit, and keep your core intact.
Where can the spinal tumour be located in the body?
As the name suggests, spinal tumours are located in close proximity to the spine. However, it can extend along the entire spinal structure too. This includes the inside of the spinal cord, the tissues that shelter the spinal cord, the bone cavity of the spine and even between the tissues and bones.
Spinal tumours can be harmless and harmful depending on the localization and the nature of the cells. In case it is detected early, it can be a preventive measure to keep the spine healthy and active.
What are the kinds of tumours of the spine?
Spinal tumours can be primary or metastatic in nature. Let’s explore in depth.
- Primary Tumours
The origin of this tumour is usually found in the spine. It is mostly rare and non-cancerous in nature. This means that it can be treated with certain invasive or non-invasive procedures. Primary tumours might also be malign in nature depending on the type of cells. It can grow in a localized area and tend to spread of other parts of the spine in left undetected for a longer spell.
The parts of the spine comprise the following:
- Cervical area or the area around the neck
- The thoracic area or the upper to mid back
- The lumbar area or the lower back
- The sacrum or the bottom of the spine
- Metastatic tumour
These are tumours which have already spread to the spine from other parts of the body. A tumour that can travel and spread along the body is usually malignant. Even though the spine might not be the first part to be affected, other cancers such as those of lung, prostrate and the breast tend to affect the spine, during the course of therapy.
Types of spinal tumours
- Osteosarcoma
It is a type of bone cancer which affects the thighs and the shin of the human body. However, most of the tumour origin is found in the spine.
- Multiple Myeloma
This is the type of cancer cell which affects the plasma cells of the blood which get collected in the outer layer of the spine
- Ewing Sarcoma
This is the type of tumour which affects the bone and the cartilage. It is the rarest form of cancer and is known to affect about 1% of children.
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