Spinal Tumours

Spinal tumours are rare in children but can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. Tumours that originate within the spinal tissues (primary tumours) may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumours that begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the spine are known as secondary or metastatic tumours. All types of spinal tumours can cause complications because of their proximity to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a spinal tumour in children is severe and persistent neck or back pain that is not relieved by pain medication. Other symptoms may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
• Reduced motor skills or coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Spinal tumours can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms may resemble those of other conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a review of your child’s medical and family history, along with a thorough physical and neurological examination.

Diagnostic test may include:

• X-rays
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis to detect tumour cells
• Biopsy of the tumour for laboratory analysis

Treatment depends on the individual child, their overall health, the location of the tumour, and the type of tumour present. The primary aim of treatment is to remove or reduce the tumour while preserving neurological function and preventing damage to the spinal cord and surrounding structures.

Treatment options include:

• Monitoring
  Some tumours may be monitored regularly, particularly if they are small, slow-growing, or not causing symptoms. Monitoring may also be recommended when the risks of treatment outweigh the potential benefits.
• Surgery
  Surgical removal is often the preferred treatment for spinal tumours. Advanced microsurgical techniques and high-powered operating microscopes are used to maximise tumour removal while minimising damage to nearby nerves and blood vessels. In some cases, ultrasonic instruments may be used to break the tumour into smaller fragments for easier removal. If complete removal is not possible, surgery may be combined with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
• Radiation Therapy
  High-energy radiation may be used to destroy residual tumour cells after surgery, treat tumours that cannot be safely removed, or manage metastatic tumours that have spread to the spine.
• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy tumour cells or slow their growth. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy, depending on the tumour type.

Recovery

Recovery varies depending on the type and location of the tumour and the treatment received. Recovery may include:

• Rehabilitation
• Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, if required
• Follow-up MRI scans
• Possible additional surgery
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological support, as needed
• Pain medication as required
• Support groups for children and families