# Spinal Tumors

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/spinal-tumors/
- Published: 2019-01-21T17:14:16-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Spinal Tumors

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### Spinal Tumor Overview

Tumors are abnormal tissue growths. _Spinal tumors_ grow on the spine bones or the
spinal cord. _Skull tumors_ grow on the skull bones. Patients who experience tumor
symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical
Associates’ (CONA) tumor specialist as soon as possible.

## **Symptoms & Causes**

Spinal tumor symptoms include:

 * Back pain
 * Extremity pain and weakness
 * Decreased pain, hot and cold sensations
 * Difficulty walking
 * Muscle pain and weakness
 * Loss of bladder or bowel function
 * Radiating pain

Skull tumor symptoms include:

 * Blurred vision
 * Breathing difficulties
 * Decreased smell sensation
 * Double vision
 * Headaches
 * Hearing loss
 * Memory loss
 * Nausea and vomiting
 * Trouble swallowing

Spinal tumor and skull base tumor causes are not known.

## **Common Treatments:**

After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend monitoring
the tumor or:

 * Chemotherapy
 * Minimally invasive surgery
 * Radiation therapy
 * Surgery

## **Diagnosis:**

A CONA tumor specialist uses a step-by-step diagnostic approach:

 * A complete medical history is obtained
 * A thorough neurosurgical evaluation is performed
 * A thorough physical examination is performed
 * An MRI and CT scan are ordered and analyzed

A biopsy is usually performed. A tiny needle is used to take a small tissue sample.
The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Lab results are sent to the CONA tumor
specialist for review.