Persistent back pain, numbness in the legs, turned out to be a spine tumor?
Feb 06, 2025
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The spine serves as a pillar of our body and is an important structure that protects the spinal cord, the central nerve. It is largely composed of the vertebrae (skeleton) and the spinal cord passing through the inside. Tumors in this spine can be broadly divided into 'spinal bone tumors' that occur in the vertebrae and 'spinal nerve tumors' that originate in the spinal cord and nerves.
Spinal tumors are classified into primary tumors, metastatic tumors, and multiple tumors caused by genetic diseases according to the cause of occurrence. The most common form is metastatic tumors that have metastasized from other organs to the spine, especially lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
Primary vertebral tumors include tumors such as osteosarcoma and ulceroma that occur in the vertebrae, astrocytoma that grows inside the spinal cord, meningioma that develops in the epidural spinal cord, and schwannoma. Treatment strategies vary depending on the type of tumor, but in most cases, complete resection through surgery is a key factor in determining prognosis.
The most representative symptoms of spinal tumors are persistent back, back, and neck pain. When the tumor grows and compresses the nerve, various neurological symptoms such as leg or arm numbness, sensory loss, and muscle weakness can be accompanied depending on the area of nerve control. In the early stages, it starts similar to common back pain or neck pain, so it is easy to mistake it for simple muscle pain. However, if the pain worsens and lasts for more than a few weeks even during rest or light movements, it is necessary to seek medical attention.
MRI examination is essential for accurate diagnosis. If metastatic tumors are suspected, additional tests are performed to find primary cancers such as PET-CT.
Treatment of vertebral tumors depends on the characteristics of the tumor. For primary vertebral tumors, surgical treatment to completely remove the tumor is of utmost importance. If complete resection is difficult, radiotherapy is considered to reduce the size of the tumor.
Metastatic spinal tumors generally manage tumors in an integrated manner along with primary cancer by combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgical treatment is required if the nerve is compressed by the tumor or the spine is weakened to the point where it cannot serve as a support.
Professor Heo Jun-seok of Neurosurgery at Korea University Anam Hospital emphasized that early diagnosis of vertebral tumors is more important than anything else. "If back, back, and neck pain lasts for more than a few weeks, or if the pain leads to other neurological symptoms such as numbness in the leg, it can be a sign of nerve compression, so you must visit a hospital."
In addition, Professor Heo said "Spine tumors are treated differently depending on the histological characteristics of the tumor"We should consult with a specialist sufficiently to determine the optimal treatment that comprehensively considers the patient's general condition and the nature of the tumor."
If the usual pain persists and worsens, as in A's case, it is important not to overlook it as a simple low back pain and to get a thorough examination quickly. Early detection and appropriate treatment can greatly improve the prognosis of spinal tumors, so if back, back, or neck pain persists for a long time or new neurological symptoms appear, consult a specialist.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
