Spinal tumors are rare. They account for 15% to 20% of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, spinal tumors have a huge impact on the central nervous system and disrupt the daily activities of life. There are different types of spinal tumors that sometimes spread in the body. The tumors come to the surface abruptly, and sometimes, they appear in the advanced stage. However, this can be prevented through screening. In this post, we will explore the impact of spinal tumors on the nervous system health and its prevention.
What is a Spinal Tumor?
A spinal tumor is the abnormal growth of cells within or surrounding the spinal cord or spinal column. The spine is a long and flexible column of bones that protects the spinal cord. It begins from the base of the skull and continues up to the tailbone, which is a part of the pelvis. In addition, the spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that runs through the center of the spine and from the brain stem to the lower back. This structure contains the nerve cells that carry messages from the brain to the parts of the body and from the body to the brain. Any abnormality in the form of tumors disturbs the central nervous system, and the brain stops cooperating with the rest of the body.
Furthermore, spinal tumors are not just in one area. For example, they are located inside:
- The spinal cord
- In the tissues or covering your spinal cord
- Between the tissues and bones of the spine
- Bony vertebrae of the spine
Spinal tumors are both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (non-cancerous). If the spinal tumors continue to grow, they start to damage other parts of the spine. Nevertheless, tumors first develop in the spinal cord, and they are known as primary spinal tumors. On the other hand, metastatic or secondary spinal tumors are the result of cancer from the different parts of the body impacting the spinal cord.
What are the Types of Spinal Cord Tumors?
Healthcare providers have divided the spinal cord tumors based on the area of origin within the spinal cord.
- An intradural-extramedullary tumor is a type of tumor that is located inside the covering of the spinal cord. However, it is also on the outside of the actual spinal cord. About 40% of spinal tumors exist in this area.
- The intramedullary tumor is the type of tumor that grows inside the spinal cord. About 5% of spinal tumors are in this area.
- The extradural tumor is the tumor on the outside of the spinal cord covering the vertebrae. However, about 55% of spinal tumors are in this area.
What is the Impact of Spinal Tumors on the Nervous System?
Spinal tumors have a direct impact on the nervous system. Since the nervous system is responsible for keeping the body, any abnormality in the area disrupts different functions of the body.
- A numbness or consistent pain in different parts of the body.
- Potential paralysis in the part of the body which is controlled by the nervous system.
- Depending upon the location of the tumors within the spinal cord, tumors may impact different parts of the body.
- In some conditions, the patient loses bowel and bladder control.
- The whole body might lose control if it is not treated well.
What is the Role of PSA Levels and Lung Scans in Spinal Tumors Monitoring?
PSA level or prostate-specific antigens do not play any active role in spinal tumor monitoring. However, the PSA level detects the early signs of prostate cancer. In some cases, high levels of PSA indicate the presence of tumors, but it does not actively indicate the presence of tumors within the spinal cord. Nevertheless, you must get your PSA level checked to be on the safe side. Further, the abnormal PSA level may give rise to further investigation that may help in detecting the presence of tumors within the spinal cord.
On the other hand, a lung scan specifically detects any abnormality within the lungs. A lung scan does not help in identifying the presence of spinal tumors. However, it is good for monitoring the health of the lungs. If you want to go for a lung scan or get your PSA level checked, then Via Scan of Las Colinas is a good option for scanning.
Conclusion
Spinal tumors have a direct impact on the nervous system. They are life-threatening and damage the quality of life. Spinal tumors are both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (non-cancerous). However, if the spinal tumors continue to grow, they start to damage other parts of the spine. Therefore, it is important to take active measures to avoid such conditions, and testing must be done in case of specific or persistent changes in the body.
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